Category: Archive – 2011

MEUSAC, together with MEPA and Transport Malta within the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, are organising a Consultation Session on Ship Recycling. The recycling of end-of-life ships is an issue of international concern. Worldwide, between 200 and 600 large merchant ships are broken up and recycled every year, as their steel, other scrap metal and equipment constitute valuable raw materials. The industry provides thousands of jobs, yet environmental, occupational health and safety conditions are very poor.

As many of these ships sail under the flag of EU Member States, and even more are owned by European companies, the situation is of concern to the EU. In fact, the European Commission has adopted a number of Communications in this regard. The last Communication (COM (2010) 88) assesses the link between three legal instruments namely:

the United Nations (UN) Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal (the "Basel Convention" – it is already in force at European level);

Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006/EC on shipments of waste, and

the International Maritime Organisation Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the "Hong Kong Convention"). The EU cannot become a party to this Convention; only the Member States may do so.

In this Communication the Commission is urging all EU Member States to ratify the Hong Kong Convention as a matter of priority, so as to facilitate its entry into force as early as possible and to generate a real and effective change on the ground. On December 15, 2010, the European Commissioner for the Environment sent a letter to Malta enquiring on the steps Malta has taken towards the ratification of the said Convention.

Comments received during the session will be taken into consideration in the preparation of Malta's position during discussion on ship recycling at both EU and UN levels.

The session, which will be conducted in Maltese, is being held as follows:

Friday April 29, 2011

Time: 14.00 – 16.00 hrs

Venue: 254, Europe House, St Paul Street, Valletta

Should you be interested in attending kindly inform Ms Francine Caruana at your earliest on your earliest.

Kindly further note that for security reasons, you will be requested to show your ID card at the Reception to be allowed entry. Kindly send also your ID card number when registering your attendance.

The Medical Plaza Pharmacy and Perfumery in San Gwann has installed a state of the art photovoltaic system taking advantage of the Malta Enterprise MicroInvest Tax Credit scheme and the expertise of renewable energy specialists Solar Solutions.

 

The PV system installed at the premises of Medical Plaza is a Hyundai 9kWp PV system utilising SMA inverters which produce approximately 15,000kWh (units) per year. According to Karl Azzopardi, Managing Director of Solar Solutions, this is equivalent to savings of approximately 13,000kg of Co2 emissions per year.

The project has been made possible by MicroInvest Tax Credits for Micro Enterprises and the Self Employed, a scheme managed by Malta Enterprise, which aims at encouraging micro-enterprises and self-employed individuals to innovate, expand and develop their business operations. Both companies and individuals are eligible to apply for these tax credits provided that the number of employees did not exceed nine (9) on the 10th of November, 2009 and their annual turnover must not exceed €2 million. The tax credit amounts to 40% for Malta & 60% for Gozo of the eligible expenditure. Tax credits claimed over the eligible period may not exceed €25,000 in total. Furthermore, an enterprise should utilise any tax credits in connection with this scheme until expiration of the Year of Assessment 2014.

Commenting on the installation, Medical Plaza Managing Director Mr. Malcolm Mallia stated that he decided to invest in the photovoltaic system after Solar Solutions brought the advantages of the MicroInvest Tax Credit to his attention.  "With the scheme offering a 40% Tax Credit and the opportunity for a 35% Capital Allowance, I decided to invest in a complete photovoltaic system. Payback and return on investment have proved to be extremely attractive as I envisage a net return on investment of 30% when taking the tax credits into account, and effectively I will be saving 75% of my capital in due course. Apart from reducing my electricity bills, I also feel that I am doing my part in reducing the amount of harmful gases being emitted into the atmosphere."

Solar Solutions Ltd (SSL) is an organization formed with the objective of promoting the implementation of renewable energy sources (RES) in Malta. The company offers a comprehensive service which starts off with a free onsite visit where its consultants will inspect your premises to ensure that the specifications of your photovoltaic installation optimally reflect your energy requirements. Solar Solutions staff will also be able to assist in the preparation of documentation required by the banks for the financing of any of their products and to guide you in taking advantage of Government schemes. Moreover, the company can also quote for any professional plumbing and electrical services in relation to its products. This will put your mind at rest that you will only have to deal with Solar Solutions for the complete implementation of the project. 

For more information about Solar Solutions visit http://www.solarsolutions.com.mt/

For more information about the MicroInvest Tax Credit Scheme go to http://support.maltaenterprise.com/Documents/ES-MicroInvest/FAQ.pdf

 

This is a paid advert

Gas is without fail an essential commodity for the public and also the commercial sector. GRTU represents all Gas distributors in Malta and Gozo. In the last few months the situation in relation to Gas Distribution in Malta has taken a turn to the worse with the result that we are now risking security of supply.

 

Of course, this is another result of those who decide to take the right opportunity at the right time to trample over the livelihood of those who have over so many years provided a good service to the market within the limitations provided. I am not a resident of Qajjenza, but residents are aware that as early as half six in the morning, day after day, week in and week out, trucks queue to be able to load cylinders as early as possible in order to take to the streets of Malta and Gozo. It is not an easy job at all. The distributor wakes up early in the morining, some as early as five or earlier in order to be at Qajjenza at half six.

On some days they are loaded within an hour, on other days within two, and on other days, they are there till well after noon and are not yet loaded. This is due to bad planning by Enemalta over the years and of course now the same system has been inherited by Liquigas. So until Liquigas gets thier new plant into motion, in September 2012, nothing seems likely to improve. Until then the situation is what it is and Gas Distributors, in discussion with the suppliers continue to try and find ways and means to better this situation.

Now however to add insult to injury the MRA, based on the strenght of a Legal Notice issued in 2008 and without consultation with any one (I forgot to point out that the existing Gas Distributors were completely left out of this Legal Notice) as if Robinson Crusoe has just discovered this small island and now this island needed gas distribution, issued an authorisation to another company in Malta to ‘transport, distribute and retail portable cylinders filled with LPG'

We are of course not against competition when all is effected on a fair and level playing field. After corresponding with the MRA and outlining to them the difficulties the sector is now faced with in detail we have of course received a lawyers answer. The MRA has drawn our attention to the fact that the authorisations issued to the gas sector were issued in accordance with existing national and EU legal requirments and obligations.

GRTU is going to ask the distributors to carry this reply in the form of a notice on their vehicles. With that information our distributors expect to eat every day. With that information the public is supposed to be serviced during bad days. Of course, who knows, maybe some people have long opted for electric cookers since their pay packets can afford it, but behold, there are many others out there who depend on this commodity.

The MRA continue to further complicate the issue. To them a vehicle parked wherever one feels like at any time selling gas in not in breach of the law. They insist that it is not a ‘fixed point of sale'…what is it then?…GRTU requests a  definition! The MRA seem to have all the answers. Maybe very shortly you'll be able to buy gas from your next door stationary. After this happens will you really feel safe at home?

Of course gas distribution in 2011 should be improved and discussions are being held in that direction, but we do not intend to continue discussing for ever. We have spent three solid months now and will continue during this month too with the hope of finding some light at the end of the tunnel.

On May 1st we celebrate Workers Day. A Gas Distributor other than being a self-employed is a worker too, and works hard for all that matters. We cannot take more of this shoving around from the MRA. We can no longer accept MRA to sit there and do nothing about the irregularities in this sector. We have reached the state where with every new day a new infringment takes place. Through the words of a lawyer MRA answers saying everything is fine.

We will not mince our words, enough is enough, we will continue discussions on the table until the end of this month, but beyond that we will stand up to be counted. Of course, not all those concerned see this issue from the eyes of the MRA. Some have more to loose. Some are silent. Others keep their fingers crossed. In the meantime the distributor bears the brunt. It is not acceptable and although we continue to insist on the table solutions, these have limits too. This is a worse scenario. While table discussions are proceeding, MRA continue to allow blatant infringments in this sector and always pointing fingers at the interpretation of the law. We are informed they might shortly issue a new dictionary of  both the Maltese and English languages.

list of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proposals that will be discussed during the Anti-dumping and Anti-subsidy Committee meeting scheduled for 14 April 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of fatty alcohol and their blends originating in Malaysia, Indonesia and India. Proposal for the imposition of provisional measures.

Anti-dumping proceeding concerning the imports of stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes originating in China. Proposal concerning Market Economy Treatment.

Expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of Polyester staple fibres (PSF) originating in China. Proposal for termination and repeal of the measures in force.

Contact Abigail Mamo @ GRTU for more information or comments.

GRTU regrets that there were no improvements made to the Consumer Rights Directive to boost cross-border e-commerce at the plenary vote of the European Parliament. After more than two years of discussion the European Parliament has not provided businesses an environment to increase their online cross-border activities but instead created more obstacles for them not only for cross-border trade but even for businesses operating on domestic markets.

 

The 5th Commission Consumer Conditions Scoreboard has shown that businesses providing online products cross-border has decreased from 25% in 2009 to 22% in 2010. Businesses need help in order to be competitive in a globalised market, but what the Parliament has adopted does not provide any solutions to the current problems. On the contrary it creates even more obstacles for businesses involved in distance and off-line transactions, in particular for SMEs.

The mixed minimum and full harmonised approach will not provide more confidence in the internal market: it will increase legal fragmentation, creating more market barriers and extra compliance costs, and so undermining business activities across Europe and especially e-business.

Although there is a common set of rules on information requirements the too extensive list will make it impossible for businesses to carry out their day to day activities. The exemption  for off-premises contracts for products under 40 Euros is only applicable if there is an immediate transaction. This means that for small amount products which will be delivered and paid at a later stage, an enormous administrative burden and costs is created.

Receiving a confirmation by the trader on a durable medium when a consumer orders a product by phone is not always feasible. If you order flowers to be delivered in a few hours, you cannot confirm this in written first. Reimbursing consumers without having received the goods opens up the door for fraud which will be detrimental for businesses in particular for small businesses. Moreover obliging traders to deliver their goods to consumers within the EU if he/she accepts to bear all the costs is unacceptable since the law of the consumer's habitual residence will be applicable in this case. At the end of the day, there is a high risk that there will be even less consumer choice and increase of product prices.

The competitiveness of European businesses is increasingly vulnerable to growing materials scarcity which causes price volatility. A Eurobarometer survey presented at the 10^th European Forum on Eco-innovation in Birmingham, UK, shows that 75% of European businesses have experienced an increase in material costs in the past five years, while 90% expect price increases in the future. To tackle this challenge, small and medium-sized businesses are looking to eco-innovation as their answer. However, many businesses are still not fully aware of the potential effects of natural resource scarcity on their future operations.

 

Materials are becoming key cost elements for SMEs

The Eurobarometer survey aimed to analyse the attitudes of European entrepreneurs towards eco-innovation. Eco-innovation is a term to describe products, processes or other solutions that can contribute to environmental protection or a more efficient use of resources.

Almost a quarter of managers surveyed said that 50% or more of their company's total costs consisted of material costs. Three quarters said material costs had increased moderately or dramatically in the past five years.

Eco-innovation as a response to the challenge

More than half of the SMEs surveyed said they had introduced technologies to improve materials efficiency in the past five years as a response to the challenge. Eco-innovations related to processes – as opposed to technologies, products, organisation or marketing – were the most popular in the agricultural, water and manufacturing sectors. Companies in the construction sector preferred to invest in green products or services, whereas food service companies tended to implement higher amounts of organisational innovation.   

The pace of eco-innovation must be accelerated
More than 40% of SMEs that have introduced an eco-innovation in the last two years said the investment had reduced material use by up to 20% per unit of output. This modest change will clearly need to be stepped up if the EU is to meet its ambitions for raw materials and resource efficiency. The survey shows that most European SMEs see limited access to materials as an important driver for eco-innovation. At the same time, they identify current and expected future price increases for energy as the most important incentives for eco-innovation. More than 70% of SMEs pointed to the need for good business partners and good access to external information and knowledge, including technology support services to accelerate eco-innovation uptake and development.

Public authorities can encourage eco-innovation uptake

There are a number of obstacles preventing businesses from investing in eco-innovation. The most significant barriers are linked to economic and financial constraints, notably uncertain demand from the market and the lack of external financing.

Public authorities have a crucial role to play in helping SMEs to overcome these barriers and adopt eco-innovation. The Commission supports the uptake of eco-innovation by businesses through various tools including financing. The Commission is planning to put forward an Eco-innovation Action Plan by this summer that will further help business develop and invest in eco-innovation.

GRTU would like to inform you about a new Commission Regulation of 31 March 2011 on the level of Retaliation applied in the WTO dispute on the Byrd Amendment, for your information.  The level of retaliation applicable from 1 May 2011 will decrease to USD 9.96 million from the level of USD 95.83 million which has been applied since 1 May 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

Therefore, 30 products (including paper items; textile products; clothes in cotton, silk, synthetic fibres; prefabricated buildings made of iron or steel) are no longer subject to additional 15 % customs duty while the following products continue to be subject to an additional 15% customs duty.  These are: Sweet corn, uncooked or cooked by steaming or by boiling in water, frozen, Frames and mountings for spectacles, goggles or the like, of base metal and Crane lorries (excl. breakdown lorries). This is applied to imports of products originating in the United States of America

For your information, in 2009 and 2010, the total value of imports originating in US from the list of products that will continue to be subject to the 15% additional import duty totalled EUR 841, classifiable under CN code 90031930: Frames and mountings for spectacles, goggles or the like, of base metal.

The Customs Department wishes to draw the attention to COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 297/2011 of 25 March 2011 imposing special conditions governing the import of feed and food originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power.

 

The Regulation applies to feedstuffs and foodstuffs originating in or consigned from Japan, with the exclusion of products which left Japan before 28 March 2011 and of products which have been harvested and/or processed before 11 March 2011. In particular, your attention is drawn to the following requirements:

feed and food business operators or their representatives are to give prior notification of the arrival of each consignment of the products referred to above, at least two working days prior to the physical arrival of the consignment, to the competent authorities at the Border Inspection Post (BIP) or at the designated point of entry;

The release for free circulation of consignments shall be subject to the presentation by the feed and food business operator or their representative to the customs authorities of a declaration as specified in the Annex to the Regulation, duly endorsed by the competent authority at the BIP or DPE, giving evidence that the official controls required by the Regulation have been carried out and that the results from physical checks, where such checks were carried out, have been favourable.

For more information contact: Mario Brincat at Customs
on 25685107 or 

Australian debit processor to cut interchange fees – Australian merchants will incur no interchange fees on transactions under AUD15 ($15) under a new multilateral interchange fee model. The Australian debit processing network EFTPOS Payments Australia Limited (EPAL) has announced the new model, which will replace the current system of bilateral interchange fees agreed between different participants in the network.

 

From 1 October 2011, fees for transactions on the network are to be set at 5 Australian cents for POS transactions of AUD15 ($15) or more. Fees are set to be zero on transactions for charities, Medicare Easyclaim (the Government health insurance programme), and transactions under AUD15.

EPAL has said the new fee model follows extensive consultation with banks and retailers and will support investment into making the network more secure and accessible for both retailers and consumers.

"The new 5 cent interchange fee for standard POS transactions is less than half the equivalent fee of 12 cents payable for international scheme debit cards [Visa and MasterCard]," said EPAL managing director Bruce Mansfield.

"Our new multi-lateral interchange fees should be considered alongside the separate scheme fees that apply to both EFTPOS and international scheme debit cards. When the significantly cheaper EFTPOS scheme fee is factored in, EFTPOS transaction charges will be three to four times cheaper for retailers than international debit card transactions."

The zero interchange fee for low-value transactions is intended to provide an incentive for more retailers to accept small payments on EFTPOS.

"Today, approximately 25% of EFTPOS transactions are below $20," said Mansfield. "In New Zealand this is figure is as high as 50%, so there is a considerable opportunity to convert more cash transactions to EFTPOS in Australia."

The introduction of a new EFTPOS interchange fee model follows a decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia in November 2009 to recognise multi-lateral EFTPOS interchange fees and to align the EFTPOS multi-lateral interchange fee standard with those for international scheme debit card interchange fees.