Tariff Structure in Belize
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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the relevant authorities for the composition of the national tariff?

To explain the role of the relevant authorities for the composition of the national tariff.

What is the importance of applying a uniform nomenclature?

To explain the importance of applying a uniform nomenclature.

What is the structure of the Harmonized System Nomenclature and what is its role in Trade?

To describe the structure of the Harmonized System Nomenclature and explain its role in Trade.

What is the importance of the legal notes, chapter notes, and section notes?

<p>To explain the importance of the legal notes, chapter notes, and section notes</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you distinguish between the rates applied by each free trade agreement partner?

<p>To distinguish between the rates applied by each free trade agreement partners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Customs and Excise Duties Act is subject to any exemption or rebates provided by or under the authority of this Act.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Customs duties are levied and collected for the use of the government.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the Harmonized System come into effect?

<p>1988</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organization that governs the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System?

<p>The International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organization developed and maintains the Harmonized System?

<p>World Customs Organization (WCO)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the World Customs Organization based?

<p>Brussels, Belgium</p> Signup and view all the answers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an independent intergovernmental organization.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many members and countries use the Harmonized System as a basis for their Customs tariff and for the collection of international trade statistic?

<p>186 members and 212 countries and economies</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harmonized System is accompanied by the general rules of interpretation and explanatory notes.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many commodity groups does the Harmonized System comprise?

<p>about 5,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harmonized System is supported by well-defined rules to achieve uniform classification.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many digits are assigned at the tariff-rate level?

<p>6</p> Signup and view all the answers

Two extra digits may also be assigned at the regional level.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many digits are assigned at the national level?

<p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total of digits to be listed on entries?

<p>10</p> Signup and view all the answers

The tariff is organized into 21 Sections: I to XXI.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The tariff uses Roman numerals for Sections and Arabic numerals for Chapters.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of chapters?

<p>Chapter 1-76, 78-97</p> Signup and view all the answers

What chapter is reserved for special uses by contracting parties?

<p>Chapters 98 and 99</p> Signup and view all the answers

What chapter comprises special classification provisions?

<p>Chapter 98</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chapter 98 is presently being use only for personal and household effects.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the body responsible for the schedule of rates?

<p>Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Council for Trade and Economic Development is responsible for setting the import duty rates within CARICOM.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does COTED use to prepare rates?

<p>common external tariff (CET)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The CET is based on the harmonized system.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The national tariff of Belize is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The national tariff of Belize was established by decision of the Council for Trade and Economic Development.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

A conversion table is used for specific duties application.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the national tariff of Belize?

<p>Information about the country's history</p> Signup and view all the answers

The general rule of interpretation is an integral part of the classification system.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the general rule of interpretation provide?

<p>The principles on which classification is based on and is an integral part of the classification structure for the schedule of rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

The general rule of interpretation takes into consideration the instruction provided in the chapter and second notes and the explanatory notes.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

GIR 1 establishes the legal basis for classification.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GIR 2 extend the scope of?

<p>Heading to cover mixtures, composites, unassembled, unfinish or incomplete goods</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GIR 3 address?

<p>Resolution of classification when two or more headings are possible</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which GIR provides for completely unforeseen goods that are not otherwise covered?

<p>GIR 4</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which GIR covers the treatment of packaging material and containers?

<p>GIR 5</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GIR 6 provide?

<p>That the same process is independently followed at each subheading level</p> Signup and view all the answers

Legal notes are not legally binding.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Section notes provide a definition of the scope and definition of products within a heading.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Additional CARICOM notes are legally binding.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chapters are legally binding.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Headings provide a general description for grouping goods.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Subheadings are very specific descriptions of goods or groups of commodities.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Other provides for the classification of goods not specifically identified by subheadings of a heading, a wide range of goods.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Animals that die during transport are classified in headings 02.01 to 02.05, 02.07 or 02.8 if they are edible animals fit for human consumption.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Animals that die during transport are classified in heading 05.11 if they are not edible.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harmonized System Nomenclature can be broken down into the following categories: State of goods, Processed goods, Material makeup goods, and Function of goods.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first 4 digits of the Harmonized System Code reflect Chapter and the 5th and 6th digits reflect the subheading.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 7th & 8th digits of the Harmonized System Code are used for statistical purposes.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 9th and 10th digits of the Harmonized System Code are used nationally.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 9th and 10th digits of the Harmonized System Code can be used to zero rate certain basic food items and essential goods.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Belize can use national digits to increase duty rates on imported goods.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Specific tariff rates are applied to items weight or volume.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ad Valorem tariff rates are applied to the cost of an item.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The MFN rate is the rate applied to goods from countries that are not members of a free trade agreement with Belize.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

CARICOM is a customs union.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The EPA is a free trade agreement that Belize has with the UK.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Republic of China (TAIWAN) has a bilateral agreement with Belize.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

A list of conditional duty exemptions sets out goods that may be admitted free of duty.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

List I of items ineligible for duty exemptions includes goods that are produced in the Caribbean Community.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

List II of items ineligible for duty exemptions includes goods that are imported for agricultural use.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

List II of items ineligible for duty exemptions includes goods that are imported for use in fisheries.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

List II of items ineligible for duty exemptions includes goods that are imported for use in forestry and mining.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tariff Structure

  • The tariff structure in Belize is based on the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature.
  • The HS is a globally recognized system for classifying goods.
  • The HS is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
  • The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) is responsible for setting the tariff rates.
  • The HS is organized into 21 sections and 99 chapters.
  • Chapter 1-76 and 78-97 are numbered using Arabic numerals.
  • Chapter 77 is reserved for future use in the HS.
  • Chapters 98 and 99 are reserved for special uses by contracting parties.
  • The Harmonized System has a six-digit numbering system.
  • The first four digits of the code are used by all countries.
  • The fifth and sixth digits specify the subheading.
  • The seventh and eighth digits are regionally used for CARICOM.
  • The ninth and tenth digits are used for national use in Belize, for zero-rated goods.

Tariff Classification – First Schedule

  • Customs and Excise Duties Act, Chapter 48, Section 3 (1) governs customs duties.
  • Goods imported into or taken out of bond for consumption in Belize are subject to duties at rates set in the First Schedule.
  • Exemptions or rebates are subject to the Customs and Excise Duties Act.

Harmonized System Nomenclature

  • The Harmonized System Nomenclature is a set of names and terms used in a particular field or science by individuals or communities.
  • The HS is accompanied by general rules of interpretation and explanatory notes.
  • It comprises approximately 5,000 commodity groups.
  • Each group is identified by a six-digit code (legally and logically structured).
  • Up to six digits are used in the tariff.
  • Two extra digits are assigned for regional use.
  • Two more digits for the national level.
  • 6 digits at the tariff rate, followed by 2 regional and 2 national levels; for total of 10 digits per entry.

Authorizing Parties for the National Tariff

  • The World Customs Organization (WCO) is responsible for the nomenclature and legal notes.
  • The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) is responsible for the schedule of rates and lists of conditional duty exemptions.

Harmonized System Categories

  • The Harmonized System Nomenclature can be broken down by the state of goods, processed goods, material makeup goods, and function of goods.

Goods Classification

  • Goods are classified into Sections, then Chapters, Headings, Sub-Headings in order based on their manufacture stages of processing (e.g., raw, unworked, semi-finished, finished).
  • Specific examples of HS codes include coffee beans (09.01), coffee fruit (08.10), and instant coffee (21.01).

National Tariff Abbreviations and Symbols

  • The National Tariff includes a list of abbreviations and symbols used in weight, size, and volume measurement.
  • Abbreviations for rates of duty in columns are also included.
  • Legal notes are important to sections and chapters in determining tariffs.
  • Legal notes also concern live animals; including horses, asses, mules, and hinnies.

Section Notes

  • This section specifies live animals and animal products that have undergone limited transformation. Specific examples include fresh, chilled, frozen, brined, salted items.
  • Exceptions are included in this section

Chapter Notes

  • Live animals and their products, with exceptions from heading 01.05 (live poultry).
  • Exclusions included items like fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates.
  • Cultures of micro-organisms are also excluded.
  • Certain animals used for similar traveling shows are not included (e.g. circus animals).

List of Items Ineligible for Duty Exemptions

  • The list identifies goods that are produced in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
  • These goods are manufactured sufficiently to warrant tariff protection.
  • Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining, items can not be eligible for duty exemptions.

Conversion Table

  • Conversion tables are for the application of specific duty rates.

Six GIRs

  • GIR 1 specifies legal basis, headings and notes over other GIRs.
  • GIR 2 extends headings to cover mixtures or incomplete goods.
  • GIR 3 helps resolve classification when multiple headings are possible.
  • GIR 4 covers unforeseen goods; not specifically covered under other GIRs.
  • GIR 5 covers packaging material and containers.
  • GIR 6 ensures the same processes are used in all subheadings.

Common External Tariff (CET)

  • CARICOM's CET, set by COTED is for setting import duties and using a common external tariff (CET)
  • Rates can be specific (based on weight/volume) or ad valorem (a percentage of the value).
  • The national tariff of Belize implements this system.
  • It's organized by harmonized commodity description and coding.

Types of Tariff

  • Specific tariffs are applied to goods based on weight or volume (e.g., liquor by gallon, cigarettes by pound).
  • Ad valorem tariffs are based on a percentage of the item's value (e.g., 10% of the item's price).

Free Trade Agreements

  • Belize has free trade agreements with various countries (e.g., CARICOM).
  • MFN refers to Most Favored Nation agreements.

Additional CARICOM Notes

  • Additional notes are included specific to CARICOM.

Chapter, Heading, Subheading & Statistical Classification

  • Examples of chapter heading, subheadings, and statistical classification are displayed.
  • This aids in understanding how goods are categorized.

List A, C, and D

  • List A deals with the suspension of duties, particularly for certain goods (e.g., meat).
  • List C specifies minimum duty rates with actual rates per member state.
  • List D contains other items with suspended duties.

Goods by Function

  • Specific chapters in the HS are noted, that pertain to specific functions.

Conditional Duty Exemptions

  • There is a list of goods that may have conditional exemptions from duty.
  • These conditional exemptions are based on the purpose of import or criteria determined by authorities.

Conversion Table

  • Provides a conversion table for specific duties as needed.

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Description

This quiz delves into the tariff structure of Belize, highlighting key aspects of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature. Learn about the roles of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in classification and tariff rates. Test your knowledge on the organization and numbering of goods in the HS system.

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