New Hebrides Tax.
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
Substantial Increases In Customs Duties.
From a Special Correspondent.
Port Vila, Jan. 3.
THERE has been a marked increase in Customs duties imposed in the New Hebrides —the increase representing from 6 to 15 per cent., ad valorem. This is likely to have a serious effect on the Group generally. Planters and traders have had a very bad time for some years and the new and heavy tax will prob ably give many of them the coup de grace.
The following is the new regulation, which was issued on December 23:
Joint Regulation No. 2 Of 1932.
To increase the rates of duty to be paid on certain articles imported into the New Hebrides.
Whereas by Section 88 (1) of Joint Regula tion No. 12 of 1914, made under the Anglo-French Protocol of 1914, the Resident Commissioners for the New Hebrides are empowered to fix the rate of duty payable upon imports into the New Hebrides. (2.) On and after January 1, 1933, the rates of duty set out in this Regulation shall be pay able and paid in respect of the undermentioned articles imported into the New Hebrides, that is to say:— Stg. Francs.
Ales, beer, porter, cider, hop and other beers when containing more than 2 degrees alcohol; per litre. 4d. 2.00 Wines under 15 degrees alcohol— In bottle, per litre 1/- 6.26 In cask, 10 per cent Ad valorem Wines and spirits between 15 and 20 degrees alcohol; per litre 1/8 10.30 Wines and spirits, not otherwise classified, of 20 degrees alcohol and over, excluding denatured spirits; per litre 2/- 12.40 Spirits, denatured and unfit for human consumption, unperfumed; 15 per cent Ad valorem Perfumery not otherwise classified; 40 per cent Ad valorem Soap, laundry and household; 15 per cent Ad valorem Soap, toilet and medicated; 20 per cent Ad valorem Cigars and cigarettes; 30 per cent. .. Ad valorem Tobacco— Fine cut, in tins and packets; 30 per cent Ad valorem Trade, plug and twist, per kg. . . 2/- 12.40 Benzine or motor spirit, kerosene oil, lubricating oil, combustible oils not otherwise specified; per gal. (4½ litres) 4d. 2.00 Dynamite and other explosives in lieu thereof; per kg 3/3 20.10 Detonators; 200 per cent Ad valorem Fuses; per coil of 24 feet Bd. 4.10 Firearms of precision, rifles, revolvers and pistols, shotguns, spare parts and ammunition for same; 100 Per cent Ad valorem Gramophones and records and acces sories; 20 per cent Electrical and wireless material; 15 per cent Jewellery of all kinds, natural silk goods and goods containing mix tures of natural silk, lace, em broideries, insertions, braids, ribbon, edgeings; 40 per cent.
Artificial silk; 15 per cent Matches and vestas, mechanical lighters and accessories; 100 per cent Meat, game, poultry, fish, fresh salt, frozen, chilled or preserved; but ter and substitutes, lard, edible fats and eggs: table oils; milk and cheese; 15 per cent Fruit and vegetables, fresh or pre served; 15 per cent Potatoes and onions; 10 per cent Confectionery, being articles made or prepared with sugar, honey or alcohol, including puddings, cakes, fancy biscuits, comfits, lozenges, chocolates, candies, icing sugar, crystallised fruits and peels, preserved ginger and
Stg. Francs. chowchow and sweetmeats of all kinds for edible use; 40 per cent Ad valorem Sugar; 15 per cent Vessels and boats up to 30 tons; 15 per cent All other articles not otherwise speci fied with the exception of these mentioned in the list of exemp tions hereunder which exemp tions may be subject to limits tion; 15 per cent
Exemptions From Duty.
All articles imported or purchased out of bond for the requirements of the British or French Administrations, British or French vessels of war and the Condominium Government.
Animals, living, other than for human consump tion; books, periodicals and other printed mat ter, including plans, charts, maps and music; ships’ biscuits, coal, coin, drugs and medicines, exclusive of patent medicines; flour and rice: seeds and cereals up to 10 kilogrammes; personal luggage, consisting of personal effects in use, in cluding furniture and trade tools; manures and fertilisers: medical appliances imported by quali fied medical officers for use in hospitals; micro scopes; plants, living (imported for purposes of cultivation and subject to the provisions of Joint Regulation No. 7 of 1914); show cards, patterns, cut samples and advertising matter of no com mercial value; official uniforms and robes; vac cine, lymph and other anti toxins; vessels over 30 tons.
The “Montoro,” which left Pt. Moresby for south on November 17, shipped 903 cases of desiccated coconut, 1,016 pack ages of rubber, 18 bags of Mauritius beans, 140 bags of copra, 58 bags of cof fee, four bags of mangrove bark and 18 packages of sandalwood.