Exports of compact fluorescent lamps to Europe now subject to 66% duty

Philippine exports of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL-I) to Europe are now subject to a 66.1 percent duty from the European Commission (EC).

This was announced yesterday by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) after it received a communication from the EC, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Brussels, informing the Philippine government that the EC is imposing a duty of 66.1 percent on the country’s exports of integrated compact electronic fluorescent lamps (CFL-i) to European countries. The EC regulation took effect June 10, 2005.

PTIC-Brussels was quick to point out that a window for seeking an exemption is available.

Exemption from the EC Regulation can be requested, provided that such requests be made in writing in one of the official languages of the EC and must be signed by a person authorized to represent the applicant.

The EC may authorize the exemption of imports from companies that do not circumvent the anti-dumping measures provided these companies have documents supporting their claims.

The findings by the EC showed that there is circumvention of the measures on CFL-i from China through transhipment from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

In consequence, the anti-dumping duty of 66.1 percent applicable to imports from China is extended to the same products consigned from Vietnam, Pakistan and/or the Philippines whether declared as originating from these three countries or not.

The DTI reiterated its policy of not allowing the Philippines to be utilized as a transshipment point.

It stressed that it would support only legitimate exporters who contribute not only foreign exchange earnings, but also maintain the country’s reputation as a reliable source of quality goods.

"The stand of the DTI is very clear. We will help our legitimate exporters and we will not tolerate unscrupulous traders that benefit at the expense of other exporters," Trade Senior Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino said.

Aquino added that "we would like to show the EU and our exporters that the government cannot allow the use of the Philippines as a transshipment point to avoid higher tariffs or as a dumping ground for their products."