The Korean International Trade Association (KITA) has accused Middle Eastern countries of exacting excessive customs charges on Korean exports. The association cited numerous cases in which it believes regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have been violated, reports The South Korean Herald. The association added that such practices were antiquated had had long since ceased in most advanced countries.
Under currently regulations, a merchant must provide documentation, such as certificates of origin, in order to export goods. According to KITA, many Middle Eastern countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Oman, Qatar and Iran, were charging unreasonable prices for these necessary certificates.
KITA claimed that Seoul-based embassies representing Middle Eastern nations are presently demanding payments of $38 to $923 per case for issuing such certification. The fees, which have reportedly increased Korean export costs by about 1.24 percent, are apparently threatening competition amongst local exporter prices.
KITA has continuously called for the nullification or at least the reevaluation of such fees, yet to no avail. Middle Eastern representatives have responded by asserting that the claims are baseless and that similar charges are exacted throughout the world. KITA countered these responses, saying that they would approach the Korean government to handle the matter by involving international channels and the WTO. — (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
