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Since 18th July 2005 there has been a substantial increase in the cost of importing hand pallet trucks from China where it is estimated over 50% of the world's production capacity lies. Over half of the pallet trucks sold in the EEC are made there. This price increase is due to an EEC Commission Regulation which imposes a permanent additional duty on supplies of hand pallet trucks from China as they enter the EEC. This duty is up to 46.7%.
The provisional Commission Regulation No. 128/2005 is signed by Peter Mandelson http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:189:0001:0014:EN:PDF
(his address is below if you wish to complain)
On 18th July 2005 the Provisional Regulation was enshrined permanently in EU law and signed by one J. Straw http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:189:0001:0014:EN:PDF
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1174/2005 of 18 July 2005
This is the EEC Commission's reaction to a complaint made by 4 European manufacturers of hand pallet trucks that pallet trucks were being "dumped" into the EEC. To protect the jobs of 450 people in Italy, Sweden and Germany it imposes a new annual duty of over $10,000,000 on the industry, warehousing and distribution businesses of all member states. It has not been possible to establish who will receive this money. As an independent pallet truck supplier we believe this to be unfair. We have been importers and exporters of hand pallet trucks for over 25 years so we know the prevailing world cost price at any time. If that price is consistent worldwide, which it is, then by definition "dumping" cannot occur. The EEC Commission believes around 500,000 new hand pallet trucks are sold each year in Europe with just over half of these originating from China. From the EEC Commission's own figures it is simple to calculate that the remaining European makers of pallet trucks would be unable to cope with producing the required annual demand without the imports.
So how does this all affect you? In two ways. Firstly, you will soon be paying significantly more for hand pallet trucks. Secondly, you should buy only from an established supplier who will look after your interests. Why? Because if your pallet truck supplier disappears after a few months and the tax is unpaid at source you will be liable to pay it.
What's the moral? Beware cheap pallet trucks from dodgy sources. Be particularly careful with suppliers who say "they have found a way round paying the new duty". Trust us - there is no way to avoid paying the extra duty. If they evade payment - you will have to pay.
Our commitment Castle Forklifts Ltd, established for 30 years, certifies all goods supplied to be EEC and UK duty paid. In the event that any duty is retrospectively removed, we guarantee to refund the full amount to our customers.
Buy with confidence from the firm you can trust
If you object to this new 46.7% duty on hand pallet trucks
Legal Disclaimer The above is provided in good faith based upon information in the public domain and is provided here solely for the benefit of Castle Forklifts Ltd customers. Castle Forklifts Ltd will not accept liability for claims from third parties including other suppliers of hand pallet trucks or purchasers of such products from other companies who have read and acted upon this information. If in doubt please do your own research. |
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Castle Forklifts Ltd, Unit 15 Paynes Lane Industrial Estate, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2UH, U.K. Tel (44) 1788 560531 Fax (44) 1788 540943 All trademarks and logos are acknowledged as the property of their owners. All pallet truck prices are ex-works unless specified otherwise and exclude vat. With ongoing development dimensions and specifications may differ from those shown. Copyright (C) Castle Forklifts Ltd 2005-2009 |