EC Customs investigates magnesium import tricks
2005-07-27 09:03:30 【Print】
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 27 Jul 05 - EC Customs started investigations as some Chinese companies ship Mg alloy (customs tariff No 81041900), which has 4% import duty in EC, with wrong documents and name it pure magnesium (customs tariff No 81041100), which enjoys 0% import duty at present, in order to avoid the high import duty, close sources reported to Asian Metal.
"Quite a few companies do business this way, but now officials from EC Customs are investigating this matter," said a European trader, who was investigated and questionnared by Customs, during an suddenly and unexpected control.
If things are made clear, it is said that big penalty would be paid by importers in Europe making customs clearing with wrong title of goods.
Customs are tracing now the route, through which the pure magnesium is delivered to. In the case it goes to magnesium diecasters, who usually buy only magnesium alloy, the suppliers delivering material under wrong name will be sent to court. Penalty also will be given to endusers buying wrong declared material, as they must know actual market price and must see that material without needed labels and markings is delivered. Every diecaster has strict marking and labelling instructions, which in this case cannot be fulfilled.
It is said that EC Customs found some evidence already. The investigation is underway.
Asian Metal contacted officials from EU Customs, but got no comments on this issue.
In the first half year of 2005, China exported 96,961t pure magnesium, 6.8% reduced from 104,009t year on year.
"Quite a few companies do business this way, but now officials from EC Customs are investigating this matter," said a European trader, who was investigated and questionnared by Customs, during an suddenly and unexpected control.
If things are made clear, it is said that big penalty would be paid by importers in Europe making customs clearing with wrong title of goods.
Customs are tracing now the route, through which the pure magnesium is delivered to. In the case it goes to magnesium diecasters, who usually buy only magnesium alloy, the suppliers delivering material under wrong name will be sent to court. Penalty also will be given to endusers buying wrong declared material, as they must know actual market price and must see that material without needed labels and markings is delivered. Every diecaster has strict marking and labelling instructions, which in this case cannot be fulfilled.
It is said that EC Customs found some evidence already. The investigation is underway.
Asian Metal contacted officials from EU Customs, but got no comments on this issue.
In the first half year of 2005, China exported 96,961t pure magnesium, 6.8% reduced from 104,009t year on year.
