New quotas on Chinese textiles

Restrictive measures have been introduced on the importation of a number of textile products from China on or after June 11, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Small Business and the Self Employed said.

The move was agreed during negotiations between the European Commission and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China.

When applying for an import licence, importers of such goods are requested to present a bill of lading and an invoice together with the import licence application to the Import-Export Licensing Unit, Trade Services Directorate, Commerce Division, Lascaris, Valletta.

When the Chinese export licensing system becomes operational (probably around July 20), importers will be asked to produce an original export licence (instead of the invoice) for goods shipped after that date.

Quotas on footwear imported from China have now been removed. However, these products are subject to surveillance measures and importers have to apply for an import licence. Import licences will be granted automatically without any restrictions.

Quotas on ceramics and porcelain imported from China have been removed and no import licences are required for such products.