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[March 2004]
Ceramic Industry Delegation To DTI Trade Minister
Senior representatives of the British Ceramic Confederation and the Ceramic & Allied Industries Trade Union have met with Industry Minister Mike O’Brien and interested MP’s to discuss a range of issues of pressing concern to the industry.Counterfeiting and copying are major issues for the Industry, particularly in relation to the activities of manufacturers and traders in the People’s Republic of China, too many of whom do not accept intellectual property rights. The Minister was presented with several examples of flagrant, systematic copying and abuse by Chinese enterprises.
BCC Chief Executive Kevin Farrell, speaking on behalf of the Ceramics Industry delegation, commented “The Minister appeared to demonstrate an understanding of the issues concerned as well as commitment and support to the progressing of the issues discussed. He accepted that in relation to copyright abuse, it is not possible for UK companies affected to pursue each infringement by legal means, and that a political approach to the Chinese Government is required to ensure that more regulatory action was taken within China itself. Mike O’Brien agreed to press for a response to be given to the UK China trade talks in Beijing on 7th April”
The second major theme of the talks with the Minister was the fact that catering hospitality ware exported to the United States remains subject to longstanding and protectionist tariffs in excess of 25%. BCC and CATU are calling on the UK Government to press the World Trade Organisation to act and to use any bi-lateral opportunity which arises.
Similarly, Turkey and, to a lesser extent, Mexico have imposed non-tariff barriers on tableware imports. “The Minister recognises and understands the situation and has undertaken to raise the issue bi-laterally with the Turkish authorities” said Farrell. “There is some likelihood of a positive response, particularly as the UK was one of the principal sponsors for Turkey’s membership of the EU. The situation in Mexico is a little more remote. Some commitment is required from the EU to ensure there is full reciprocity on requirements and testing”.
The delegation discussed with the Minister the forthcoming implementation of a new European Union Directive requiring the marking of product with a brand trade or manufacturer’s name that is both identifiable and traceable. Geoff Bagnall, General Secretary of CATU, pointed out “Positive marking and traceability will assist the resolution of issues relating to counterfeiting and copying, and potentially remove the need for additional certification and testing in other countries. The Minister has indicated that the DTI will support the revision of the Directive and its implementation by DEFRA”.
ENDS