Crockery import controls reduced

Press, 23 October 1989, Page 4

Crockery import controls reduced

PA Wellington Imported crockery will be easier and cheaper to buy from the beginning of next year. The Minister of Commerce, Mr Butcher, has announced that import licence control on ceramic tableware and cooking utensils would be lifted on January 1 and duties would be gradually lowered to about half the current rate by the middle of 1992.

At present, importers have to apply and pay for a licence and duty is imposed at 32.5 per cent. The duty will go down in stages from July 1 next year, dropping to 18.5 per cent in July, 1992.

The decision to ease restrictions has been taken because Crown Lynn Potteries in Auckland will close later this year, leaving a gap in the middle of the price range.

“A review of the tableware market clearly identified that a substantial

shortfall of mediumpriced, good quality tableware would occur,” Mr Butcher said. “From these measures, consumers can expect to enjoy a much wider choice of tableware entering the market. “They can also expect to benefit from a reduction in price that will flow from the fall in duty over the longer period.”