Write a letter of order using the information given below and some other details about packing and marking given in the main text.

Each device is placed in its individual cardboard box. The boxes are then packed in strong cardboard cartons. The cartons, in their turn are placed in strong wooden crates. Since the crates are specially made to hold several cartons, there is no danger of movement inside them. The crates are lined with waterproof material. The lids are secured by nailing, and the crates themselves are strapped with metal bands.

In case the consignment sent to a firm needs trans-shipment it will be necessary to mark the details required by the authorities of the country of trans-shipment.

SPEECH PRACTICE

1. Role-play. Express your agreement with the following statements. Add whatever information you can. Use the following formulas of agreement:

1) One of the main functions of import-export rates is to provide the state budget with the additional financial resources.

2) Formely in the Russian Federation the import rates were calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods.

3) The minimum duty sums per item established for cars depend now on the engine volume.

4) Previously, a delay in payment for import duties was granted for a period of no more than 30 days.

5) Export duties are expected to be cancelled in future.

6) The internal taxes on importation are usually levied at the same rates as on similar products of domestic origin.

7) All customs tariff systems can be classified into four main types.

8) A maximum-minimum tariff involves the setting-up of two columns of duties.

9) The conventional rates are used mostly with the countries of most-favoured-nation treatment.

10) A preferential tariff is applied to the countries of the same group.

11) Calculation of ad valorem duty on imported goods is based on CIF value of goods.

12) Most of imported goods are subject to VAT.

13) Special taxes change from year to year in connection with the passing of the Budget.

14) The important assets of export distribution are packing and marking.

15) There are three principal types of marking.

16) The higher the value of goods, the better should be the packing.

2. What do you think would happen if:

• 1) the import duty on foodstuffs in our country were abolished?
• 2) the goods dispatched were unmarked?

3. Role simulation. Discuss the following points:

1) Packing and marking instructions for any cargo you choose (a dialogue between a seller and a customer).

2) The importance of collecting customs duties and taxes (a dialogue between a customs official and a sceptical tax payer).

3) Objectives and advantages of Free Economic Zones (a dialogue between a foreign businessman and a Russian enterpriser planning to establish a joint venture on the territory of a FEZ).

4. Make up a report on one of the following topics:

• 1) The role of the Customs in collecting customs duties and taxes.
• 2) The system of customs duty imposition in the USA and the EC-countries.
• 3) The regulations of import and export duties in Russia.

Unit IX
CUSTOMS FORMALITIES (I)

EPISODE 1