IMPORT CONTROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23690, 23 December 1938, Page 10

IMPORT CONTROL

IMPORTANT DETAILS SOUGHT QUESTIONS PUT TO OFFICIALS BUSINESS MEN SEEK INFORMATION (Special to Daily Times) WELLINGTON, Dec. 22. Detailed questions about the procedure to be followed in applying for export and import licences under the new regulations were put to officers of the Customs Department at a meeting hqjd by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. So great was the interest of the business community that the hall where the meeting was to have been held was not large enough. There was an attendance of about 200.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr P. E. Pattrick, presided. He introduced the departmental officers, Mr R. T. G. Patrick, who spoke on export licences, and Mr J. P. D. Johnsen, who spoke on import licences. Since the regulations had been adopted, said Mr Pattrick, a number of points, which could not have been anticipated by the Government, had arisen. Decisions had already been given about some, but there were many others on which the business community needed some enlightenment. The departmental officers, he added, could not, of course, speak on matters of policy. “ On Its Merits ” After. Messrs Patrick and Johnsen had outlined the regulations, Mr Johnsen, in particular, was eagerly questioned. In his answers the words “ that must be considered on its merits ” occurred fairly often and were greeted with good-humoured laughter. Some of the questions Mr Johnsen was asked and his answers were as follows:

Was there any indication when licences were likely to be granted?— The department was working to get them out as soon as possible, and it was hoped that some would be issued before Christmas.

If an order were placed overseas for goods, the value of which was unknown, principals being asked to buy at any cost, what value would the department accept?—An application would have to be considered on its merits.

What would be done about orders sent overseas by air-mail on December 6, before importers were aware of the regulations, which came into force on December 7?—The department would take a reasonable view of any representations; it was difficult to lay down a hard and fast rule.

What would be the position of an importer, with a London representative, who bought on his own initiative and forwarded goods to New Zealand without the importer knowing what was coming?—The importer would have to have a licence before he could import, but a licence could be obtained for the total value of any class of goods required for the six-monthly period and the goods could be bought and forwarded at any time within the period.

Differing Values

If, between the time a licence was issued and the time the order for the goods reached the exporting firm overseas, the value of the goods appreciated by 10 or 15 per cent., would the department accept the added value? —On the face of it, it seemed that an application would need to be made for a supplementary licence. The case would have to be considered on its merits.

If, in four months, licences for the import of a certain class of goods absorbed the full quantity which it was intended to admit during the six-monthly period, would no further licences be issued for the remaining two months?—Licences would be granted in such a manner that the full quantity would not be absorbed before the period was up.

No licences had been issued so far; how was a firm to carry on: was it running much risk in sending orders overseas? —It was difficult to comment. The risk was the firm’s, but if the goods were of an essential character any representations made would no doubt be favourably considered. It was hoped that licences would be available without much more delay. Some firms, during the first half of the year, were required to give overseas manufacturers an estimate of the goods that they would require in the second half of the year; what prospect was there of a licence being refused in the second half of the year after such an estimate had been given?—There did not seem to be any reason why an application should not be made in the first period for a licence to import goods during the second period. Mr Johnssn felt that such an application would be considered, but could not say for certain. “ Putting in the Axe ” What particular classes of goods was the “ axe ” going to be nut into most; what were to be classed as luxuries and what necessities?—The matter was purely one of policy. Had any ruling been made as to how soon before import the application for a permit must be made? —No ruling had yet been made for the first period, but no doubt one would be made for the second period. Was it correct to say that several questions had been asked at the meeting which had not received the consideration of the Government before the regulations were passed?— It was impossible to introduce new regulations without some problems arising.

Was there any provision to give the home shipper an assurance that a licence had been granted before he shinned the goods?—lt was for the shipper to satisfy himself whether there was any risk in shipping. What would happen if goods arrived and the importer had no licence; would they be “ dumped in the harbour or kept on the wharf ”? —That was another case that could be dealt with only when it came along. Might a licence be granted for the import of an amount of goods reasonably in excess of that imported in the corresponding six months the previous year?—Applications were not restricted; the amount imported in the former period was to be used merely in considering the amount for which a licence should be granted. New Business Would applications to import from overseas firms, with whom business had not previously been done, be considered?—Yes.

When should applications be in for the coming six months; could they be left till January or would that mean that the firm would be penalised?—There was no penalty, said Mr Johnsen, but he understood that most firms were anxious to get their orders away. The department wished to get the applications as soon as possible so that it could issue the licences with a minimum of delay. Would the issue of all licences be held up till all applications were made?—No. Mr Patrick was asked: If an importer in England required New Zealand goods, and had the money in New Zealand currency, and could pay without drawing on London, would a licence be given to the exporter in the Dominion for the shipment of the goods, even though he were not requiring the sterling in London? Goods could not be exchanged for goods in London, said Mr Patrick. Sterling, he understood, would have to be made available to the Reserve Bank.