{"id":"C1936A00057","name":"Trade Agreement (Belgium) Act 1936","slug":"trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"repealed","isInForce":false,"actNumber":"57 of 1936","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":3832,"registerId":"commonwealth-C1936A00057-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-03-30","status":"Repealed","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Trade Agreement (Belgium) Act 1936","content":"TRADE AGREEMENT (BELGIUM).\n\nNo. 57 of 1936.\n\nAn Act to approve a Provisional Commercial Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Belgium and Undertakings given in relation to that Agreement.\n\n\\[Assented to 23rd November, 1936.\\]\n\nBE it enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows :—\n\nShort title.\n\n1. This Act may be cited as the Trade Agreement (Belgium) Act 1936.\n\n \n\nApproval of Agreement and undertakings.\n\n2. The Provisional Commercial Agreement made between His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Belgium acting on its own behalf and on behalf of the Government of Luxemburg, a copy of which Agreement is set forth in the First Schedule to this Act, and the undertakings contained in the correspondence annexed to the said Agreement, a copy of which correspondence is set forth in the Second Schedule to this Act, are hereby approved.\n\nTHE SCHEDULES.\n\nFIRST SCHEDULE. Sec. 2.\n\nPROVISIONAL COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND THE BELGO-LUXEMBURG ECONOMIC UNION.\n\nThe Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Belgium acting both on its own behalf and by virtue of existing agreements on behalf of the Government of Luxemburg, desiring to facilitate and extend still further the commercial relations between Australia, on the one part, and the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, on the other part, have agreed as follows :—\n\nArticle I.\n\nArticles, produced or manufactured in Australia, on their importation into the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, and articles produced or manufactured in the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, on their importation into Australia, shall not be subjected to other or higher duties or charges than those paid on the like articles, the produce or manufacture of the most favoured foreign country.\n\nArticle II.\n\n(1) Articles enumerated in Schedule ‘A’ to this Agreement, produced or manufactured in the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, shall, on importation into Australia, be accorded the benefits of the Australian Intermediate Tariff.\n\n(2) Articles enumerated in Schedule ‘B’ to this Agreement, being the produce or manufacture of the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, shall not, on importation into Australia, be subjected to a higher duty than that specified in the said Schedule.\n\n(3) The stipulations of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Article shall not be deemed to exempt the said articles from liability to sales tax or, except as provided in paragraph (4), from payment of primage duties.\n\n(4) Articles enumerated in Schedule ‘C’ to this Agreement, produced or manufactured in the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, shall not, on importation into Australia, be subjected to higher primage duties than those specified in the said Schedule.\n\n(5) Outside packages and outer coverings containing articles enumerated in Schedule ‘D’ to this Agreement, produced or manufactured in the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, shall, on importation into Australia be exempt from duty.\n\nArticle III.\n\nArticles enumerated in Schedule ‘E’ to this Agreement, produced or manufactured in Australia, shall not, on importation into the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, be subjected to higher duties than those specified in the said Schedule.\n\nArticle IV.\n\nDuring the currency of the present Agreement, Belgian plain clear sheet glass (Australian Tariff Item 242 (b)) shall benefit in Australia from the import regime set forth in this Article.\n\n(1) During any year in which the consumption of plain clear sheet glass in Australia is estimated not to exceed 7,500,000 square feet the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia shall permit the importation into Australia of 2,152,500 square feet of Belgian plain clear sheet glass.\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n(2) If the consumption of plain clear sheet glass in Australia during any year is greater than 7,500,000 square feet the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia will grant to Belgium a supplementary quota of plain clear sheet glass equal to 35.8725 per centum of the difference between the figure for the actual Australian consumption during the year in question and 7,500,000 square feet.\n\n(3) In the event that the Australian glass makers are unable to supply the full quota reserved to them and that it becomes necessary to authorize the importation of additional quantities of plain clear sheet glass, the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia will grant a supplementary quota to Belgium. The supplementary quota granted to Belgium shall be equal to 71.745 per centum of the total additional quantity authorised to be imported under the conditions set forth in this paragraph.\n\n(4) Belgian plain clear sheet glass the importation of which into Australia is authorised under this import regime shall be subjected to a duty of four shillings (4/-) per hundred square feet and shall be exempt from primage duty. However, if this duty is reduced or suppressed in favour of any other foreign country, the same reduction or suppression shall be applied to Belgian plain clear sheet glass.\n\n(5) In the event of a cessation of production of plain clear sheet glass in Australia, the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia shall have the right to abolish all restrictions on the importation of this product. In that event, Belgian plain clear sheet glass shall be admitted into Australia either under the rates of duty specified in paragraph (4) or under the most favourable rates of duty granted to any other foreign country, whichever is the lower.\n\n(6) The quotas allocated to Belgium shall be divided between glass of the various qualities and weights in the following proportions :—\n\n| | per centum of total quantity allocated. |\n| ------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |\n| Horticultural glass | 11.25 |\n| Other qualities:— | |\n| 16 oz. glass | 43 |\n| 21 „ „ | 40 |\n| Heavier than 21 oz. glass | 5.75 |\n\nIn the case of glass heavier than 21 oz. import permits shall be granted, within the limits of the specified percentage, in such weights as Australian consumers require.\n\n(7) In the event that the Australian demand for horticultural glass in any year is less than 11.25 per centum of the total Australian demand for plain clear sheet glass of all qualities, the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia will use its best endeavours to arrange that the allocations of horticultural glass to Belgium shall coincide with the actual percentage. In this case the difference between the figure representing 11.25 per centum of the total Belgian quota and the figure representing the actual percentage shall be divided between the other categories as follows :—\n\n| | per centum of quantity allocated. |\n| ------------------------- | --------------------------------- |\n| 16 oz. glass | 48 |\n| 21 oz. glass | 45 |\n| Heavier than 21 oz. glass | 7 |\n\nThe percentage allocated by this paragraph to glass heavier than 21 oz. may, if the Belgian Government so desires, be distributed between glass of 16 oz. and 21 oz. weights.\n\n(8) With a view to permitting the application of paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Article, the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia shall continue to take all the necessary measures to ascertain the actual annual demand in Australia for horticultural glass.\n\n(9) Since the demand for glass of horticultural quality is seasonal and occurs almost entirely during the months of January to April in each year the Belgian Government will assist the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia in all measures that may be necessary to meet the demands of the market within that period and to assure the equitable treatment of the various interests concerned.\n\n(10) In the event that this Agreement is terminated before the expiration of any year and that as a result of such termination the quotas for horticultural glass allocated to Belgium are greater than 11.25 per centum of the total Belgian quota, the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia shall communicate with the Belgian Government with a view to arriving at an equitable adjustment of the quantities for each category of glass.\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n(11) To facilitate the administration of the import regime set forth in this Article the Belgian Government shall use its best endeavours to advise the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia not later than the 15th day of October in each year as to the proportions in which the Belgian quota shall be divided amongst the several Belgian exporters.\n\n(12) For the purposes of the import regime set forth in this Article a year shall be deemed to commence on the 1st day of November and to end on the 31st day of October of the next following calendar year.\n\nArticle V.\n\nDuring the currency of the present Agreement, Barley (Tariff No. 51 f)), Wheat (Tariff No. 51 b) 1.), and Frozen Beef (Tariff No. 2 b) 1.) originating in and coming from the Commonwealth of Australia shall not be prohibited from importation into the Customs Territory of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union.\n\nArticle VI.\n\nIn the event of the Government of either party adopting in respect of any products specifically mentioned in this Agreement any measures which, even though they do not conflict with the terms of this Agreement, are considered by the Government of the other party to have the effect of nullifying or impairing any of the advantages of this Agreement, the Government which considers its interests adversely affected may, within three months of the adoption of such measures, request the opening of negotiations with a view to effecting a mutually satisfactory adjustment of the matter. If agreement is not reached within two months of the receipt of such request the party which considers its interests adversely affected may take such action as it thinks proper to re-establish the equilibrium of the present Agreement.\n\nArticle VII.\n\nNothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect the rights of either Government to impose or maintain prohibitions or restrictions—\n\n(a) relating to public security ;\n\n(b) imposed on moral or humanitarian grounds ;\n\n(c) occasioned by the necessity of securing the safety of persons ; and\n\n(d) imposed for the protection of animals and plants\n\nprovided that such measures are applied under the same conditions to like articles imported from any other foreign country.\n\nArticle VIII.\n\n(1) Nothing in this Agreement shall entitle the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union to claim the benefit of any treatment, preference, or privilege which may at any time be in force exclusively between the territories under the sovereignty of His Majesty the King of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, or under His Majesty's suzerainty, protection or mandate.\n\n(2) Neither party shall invoke the provisions of Article I of this Agreement to secure the advantages which result from any Customs Union to which the other may become a party.\n\n(3) The stipulations of this Agreement shall not apply to the advantages which the Governments of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union have granted or may grant to contiguous States to facilitate border traffic within a limited zone on each side of the frontier.\n\nArticle IX.\n\nThe present Agreement shall, as from the date of its coming into force, supersede the arrangement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union concluded by the Exchanges of Notes on 19th November, 1934, and on 23rd October, 1935. It shall be ratified and the instruments of ratification shall be exchanged at Canberra as soon as possible. It shall come into force fourteen days after the exchange of instruments of ratification or such earlier date as may be agreed upon and, except as otherwise provided, shall remain in force and effect until six months from the day on which either Government shall have given notice of its intention to terminate it.\n\nIn witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized to that effect have signed in duplicate this Agreement drawn up in the English and French languages and have affixed thereto their seals.\n\nDone at Canberra this third day of October, 1936.\n\nl.s. H. S. GULLETT.\n\nl.s. ARMAND NIHOTTE\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\nSCHEDULE A.\n\n```html\n

Item of the Australian Tariff

Description of Articles

Ex 58. (c) (1)

Cornflour ; when not packed for household use

\"\"Ex 105. (a) (1) (a) (3)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Ex 105. (n)

Tickings wholly of cotton or of cotton in admixture with linen, wholly or partly woven from coloured yarns

105. (a) (1) (a)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Cotton Piece Goods and piece goods containing a mixture of fibres in which cotton predominates (excepting piece goods enumerated in sub-items (aa), (d) (1) and (f)), n.e.i.

105. (a) (1) (c)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Cotton Piece Goods and piece goods containing a mixture of fibres in which cotton predominates (excepting piece goods enumerated in sub-items (aa), (d) (1) and (f)), viz. :—Drills Dungarees and Jeans, weighing 6 ounces or less per square yard or weighing 18 ounces or more per square yard

105. (a) (3)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Tapestries containing at least 95 per cent, by weight of cotton or linen or cotton and linen

Ex 105. (aa) (2)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Artificial Silk Piece Goods, Knitted or Look-stitched, in tubular form or otherwise (except piece goods enumerated in item 208 (d) (2))—Other

\"\"Ex 105. (d) (1) (b)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Ex 105. (f) (2)

Tapestries and Tapestry Curtain Material containing not more than 5 per cent. by weight of wool, and containing at least 10 per cent. by weight of artificial silk

Ex 105. (e) (1)

Piece Goods, viz.:—

Velvets and Velveteons

\"\"Ex 105. (e) (1)

Piece Goods, viz.:—

Ex 105. (f) (2)

Moquettes of the type used for upholstery—

(a) Containing at least 20 per cent. by weight of wool

(b) Other

105. (e) (4)

Piece Goods, felt, of wool or containing wool

105. (f) (5)

Piece Goods, felt, composed of hair ; Piece Goods, felt, n.e.i.

106. (b)

Trimmings and Ornaments, n.e.i. for Hats Shoes and other attire, not being partly or wholly of gold or silver ; Braids n.e.i. ; Fringes n.e.i. ; Frillings ; Rufflings ; Pleatings ; Ruchings ; Galoons n.e.i. ; Ribbons n.e.i. ; Tinselled Belting n.e.i.; Webbings n.e.i.; Belting for apparel not elsewhere specified and not being cut to lengths for belts

Ex 113. (b)

Kid Gloves

Ex 117. (a)

Blankets manufactured by the Jacquard process, woven from yarn wholly of cotton

120.(a)

Articles, Textile, as under, not being piece goods, viz. :—

Articles of Furnishing Drapery and Napery, including Quilts n.e.i., Table Covers, Doyleys, Tray Cloths, Sheets, Pillowcases and Covers, Bolster Cases, Counterpanes, Bed Spreads, Table Mats, Splashers, Tablecloths, Runners, Mantel Borders, Toilet Sets, Bags for Linen, Brush and Comb Bags, Nightdress Cases, Handkerchief Sachets, and the like, Cosies and Cushions in part or wholly made up—

(1) When not containing wool

\n```\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n| Item of the Australian Tariff | Description of Articles |\n| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Ex 122. (a) | Cotton cloths and material cut into shape therefor, not being felt, impregnated with oil and silicious matter, of a type used for polishing metalware and glassware |\n| 125. | Felt for making polishing pads |\n| 130. (b) | Canvas and Duck— |\n| | Not waterproofed by treatment with any substance |\n| 140. (c) | Copper, viz. :— |\n| | Angles, Bars, Pipes, Plates, Rods, Sheets, Strips, Tees and Tubes, not further manufactured than plated polished or decorated ; Wire including stranded or twisted wire |\n| Ex 161. (a) | Pressing Machines, wine, continuous |\n| Ex 174. (m) (39) | Rolls for use in rolling black sheets |\n| 179. (c) | Regulating Starting and Controlling Apparatus for all electrical purposes, including Distributing Boards and Switchboards, n.e.i. |\n| 179. (d) (1) | Dynamo Electric Machines |\n| 179. (d) (2) | Static Transformers n.e.i. |\n| Ex 181. (a) (1) | Covered Cable and Wire, n.e.i. |\n| 189. (a) | Double-barrelled Guns and Rifles bearing the British or other approved test mark |\n| 189. (b) | Single-barrelled Guns and Rifles bearing the British or other approved test mark |\n| 189. (c) | Revolvers ; Pistols |\n| 229. (e) | Lubricating (Mineral) Oil in vessels exceeding one gallon |\n| 231. (e) | Colours, dry, n.e.i., including litharge and sub-oxide of lead |\n| 231. (g) (2) | White Lead, dry or ground in oil |\n| 242. (c) | Glass, Sheet, viz. :—Figured Rolled, Cathedral, Milled Rolled, Rough Cast and Wired Cast |\n| 242. (d) | Glass, viz.:—Plate, polished and patent, in sheets not exceeding 25 square feet |\n| 242. (e) | Glass, viz. :—Plate, polished and patent, in sheets exceeding 25 square feet |\n| 250. (a) | Bottles flasks jars vials and tubes, n.e.i., of glass earthenware stoneware or china, empty or containing goods not subject to an ad valorem duty and not classifiable under Item 408 |\n| Ex 250. (b) | Articles of cut glass, including bottles decanters flasks and jars of cut glass empty or containing goods not subject to an ad valorem duty, but not including articles of etched or engraved glass |\n| 250. (f) | Articles of glass including articles of etched or engraved glass (but not including articles covered by sub-items |\n| | (b) and (e)), viz. :— |\n| | Dishes, tumblers, salads, bowls other than lighting-ware, nappies, jugs, candlesticks, butters, battery jars or cells, vases, trays, comports, flowerblocks, mugs, sundaes, goblets, measures including medicine measures |\n| Ex 255. (c) | Coloured gelatine sheets of the type used for window displays and for lighting effects ; gelatine dust of the type used in the manufacture of ladies' evening shoes |\n| 268. | Naphthalene |\n| 270. | Fly Papers, chemical and sticky |\n| 271. (a) | Ammonia, viz.:—Acetate, Carbonate, Anhydrous, Liquid and Chloride |\n| Ex 281. (b) (2) | Sulphate of Soda |\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n| Item of the Australian Tariff | Description of Articles |\n| ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 324. (c) | Leather, viz.:— |\n| | (1) Patent and Enamelled |\n| | (2) Glazed or Mat Kid or substitutes therefor |\n| | (3) Calf, other than Patent and Enamelled |\n| | (4) N.E.I. |\n| 328. | Goloshes, rubber sand boots and shoes and plimsolls |\n| 333. (a) | Pneumatic rubber tyres and tubes therefor, valved or unvalved |\n| 381. (d) (4) | Brushes n.e.i. |\n| 384. (a) (1) | Photographic and X-Ray Dry Plates and Flat Films, sensitized |\n| 384. (a) (2) | Photographic Sensitized Films n.e.i. |\n| 384. (a) (3) | Photographic Sensitized Papers and Cards also Linen and other Sensitized Materials, n.e.i.; Postcards (sensitized with or without letterpress) |\n| 389. (c) | Fishing and rabbit nets and netting therefor |\n| 392. (g) | Yarns :— |\n| | Artificial Silk |\n| 397. (a) | Cartridges n.e.i. |\n\nSCHEDULE B\n\n```html\n

Item of the Australian Tariff

Description of Articles

Rate of duty

Ex 118. (A)

Floor coverings wholly of cotton

30 % ad valorem

126. (a)

Saddlers’ Webs ; Upholsterers’ Webs

15 % ad valorem

Ex 144. (b)

Zinc Sheets for lithographic purposes

15 % ad valorem

160. (b) (1)

Cream Separators

15 % ad valorem

334. (h)

True Vegetable Parchment—in sizes not less than 8 × 38 inches (or its equivalent)

Free

Ex 334. (k)

Surface Coated Paper n.e.i., plain or embossed

15 % ad valorem

\"\"Ex

Departmental

By-law 97.

Ex 404.

Ultramarine blue in powder form or in aqueous paste form, for all purposes

15 % ad valorem

\n```\n\nSCHEDULE C\n\n| Item of the Australian Tariff | Description of Articles | Rate of Primage Duty |\n| ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- |\n| Ex 105. (a) (1) (a) | Piece Goods, viz. :— | |\n| (3) Ex 105. (n) | Ticking wholly of cotton or of cotton in admixture with linen, wholly or partly woven from coloured yarns | Free |\n| 105. (a) (1) (a) | Piece Goods, viz. :— | |\n| | Cotton Piece Goods and piece goods containing a mixture of fibres in which cotton predominates (excepting piece goods enumerated in sub-items (aa), (d) (1) and (f)), n.e.i. | 5 % ad valorem |\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n```html\n

Item of the Australian Tariff

Description of Articles

Rate of Primage Duty

105. (a) (1) (c)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Cotton Piece Goods and piece goods containing a mixture of fibres in which cotton predominates (excepting piece goods enumerated in sub-items (aa), (d) (1) and (f)), viz. :—Drills Dungarees and Jeans, weighing 6 ounces or less per square yard or weighing 18 ounces or more per square yard

5 % ad valorem

105. (a) (3)

Piece Goods, viz.:—

Tapestries containing at least 95 per cent. by weight of cotton or linen or cotton and linen

Free

\"\"Ex 105. (d) (1) (b)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Ex 105. (f) (2)

Tapestries and Tapestry Curtain Material containing not more than 5 per cent. by weight of wool, and containing at least 10 per cent. by weight of artificial silk

Free

105. (e) (1)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Velvets, Velveteens, Plushes, Sealette and cloths imitating furs, Astrachans

5 % ad valorem

\"\"Ex 105. (e) (1)

Piece Goods, viz. :—

Ex 105. (f) (2)

Moquettes of the type used for upholstery—

(a) Containing at least 20 per cent. by weight of wool

Free

(b) Other

5 % ad valorem

106. (b)

Trimmings and Ornaments, n.e.i. for Hats Shoes and other attire, not being partly or wholly of gold or silver; Braids n.e.i. ; Fringes n.e.i.; Frillings; Rufflings; Pleatings; Ruchings; Galoons n.e.i.; Ribbons n.e.i.; Tinselled Belting n.e.i.; Webbings n.e.i.; Belting for apparel not elsewhere specified and not being cut to lengths for belts

5 % ad valorem

Ex 113. (b)

Kid Gloves

Free

Ex 117. (a)

Blankets manufactured by the Jacquard process, woven from yarn wholly of cotton

5 % ad valorem

Ex 118. (a)

Floor coverings wholly of cotton

Free

Ex 122. (a)

Cotton cloths and material cut into shape therefor, not being felt, impregnated with oil and silicious matter, of a type used for polishing metalware and glassware

Free

125.

Felt for making polishing pads

Free

126. (a)

Saddlers’ Webs ; Upholsterers' Webs

Free

130. (b)

Canvas and Duck—

Not waterproofed by treatment with any substance

5 % ad valorem

\n```\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n| Item of the Australian Tariff | Description of Articles | Rate of Primage Duty |\n| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- |\n| 140. (c) | Copper, viz.:— | |\n| | Angles, Bars, Pipes, Plates, Rods, Sheets, Strips, Tees and Tubes, not further manufactured than plated polished or decorated ; Wire including stranded or twisted wire | Free |\n| Ex 144. (b) | Zinc Sheets for lithographic purposes | Free |\n| 160. (b) (1) | Cream Separators | Free |\n| Ex 161. (a) | Pressing Machines, wine, continuous | Free |\n| Ex 174. (m) (39) | Rolls for use in rolling black sheets | Free |\n| 179. (c) | Regulating Starting and Controlling Apparatus for all electrical purposes, including Distributing Boards and Switchboards, n.e.i. | Free |\n| 179. (d) (1) | Dynamo Electric Machines | Free |\n| 179. (d) (2) | Static Transformers n.e.i. | Free |\n| Ex 181. (a) (1) | Covered Cable and Wire, n.e.i. | 4 % ad valorem |\n| 189. (a) | Double-barrelled Guns and Rifles bearing the British or other approved test mark | Free |\n| 189. (b) | Single-barrelled Guns and Rifles bearing the British or other approved test mark | Free |\n| 189.(c) | Revolvers ; Pistols | Free |\n| 231. (e) | Colours, dry, n.e.i., including litharge and sub-oxide of lead | Free |\n| 231. (g) (2) | White Lead, dry or ground in oil | 5 % ad valorem |\n| 242. (b) | Glass, Sheet, viz. :—Plain Clear | Free |\n| 242. (d) | Glass, viz. :—Plate, polished and patent, in sheets not exceeding 25 square feet | 5 % ad valorem |\n| 242. (e) | Glass, viz.:—Plate, polished and patent, in sheets exceeding 25 square feet | 5 % ad valorem |\n| 250. (A) | Bottles flasks jars vials and tubes, n.e.i., of glass earthenware stoneware or china, empty or containing goods not subject to an ad valorem duty and not classifiable under Item 408 | 5 % ad valorem . |\n| Ex 250. (b) | Articles of cut glass, including bottles decanters flasks and jars of cut glass empty or containing goods not subject to an ad valorem duty, but not including articles of etched or engraved glass | 5 % ad valorem |\n| 250. (f) | Articles of glass including articles of etched or engraved glass (but not including articles covered by sub-items (b) and (e)), viz. :— | |\n| | Dishes, tumblers, salads, bowls other than lightingware, nappies, jugs, candlesticks, butters, battery jars or cells, vases, trays, comports, flower-blocks, mugs, sundaes, goblets, measures including medicine measures | 5 % ad valorem |\n| 268. | Naphthalene | Free |\n| 270. | Fly Papers, chemical and sticky | 5 % ad valorem |\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\n```html\n

Item of the Australian Tariff

Description of Articles

Rate of Primage Duty

271.(a)

Ammonia, viz. :—Acetate, Carbonate, Anhydrous, Liquid and Chloride

Free

Ex 281. (b) (2)

Sulphate of Soda

Free

Ex 281. (l) (1)

Phosphate of soda, phthalic anhydrides, phthalic acid and phthalates ; ethylene glycol

Free

324. (c)

Leather, viz. :—

(1) Patent and Enamelled

Free

(2) Glazed or Mat Kid or substitutes therefor

Free

(3) Calf, other than Patent and Enamelled

Free

(4) N.E.I.

Free

328.

Goloshes, rubber sand boots and shoes and plimsolls

Free

333. (a)

Pneumatic rubber tyres and tubes therefor, valved or unvalved

5 % ad valorem

334. (h)

True Vegetable Parchment—in sizes not less than 8 × 38 inches (or its equivalent)

Free

Ex 334. (k)

Surface Coated Paper n.e.i., plain or embossed

Free

381. (d) (4)

Brushes n.e.i.

Free

384. (a) (1)

Photographic and X-Ray Dry Plates and Flat Films, sensitized

Free

384. (a) (2)

Photographic Sensitized Films n.e.i.

Free

384. (a) (3)

Photographic Sensitized Papers and Cards also Linen and Other Sensitized Materials, n.e.i. ; Postcards (sensitized with or without letter-press)

Free

389. (c)

Fishing and rabbit nets and netting therefor

Free

392. (g)

Yarns :—

Artificial Silk

5 % ad valorem

397. (a)

Cartridges n.e.i.

5 % ad valorem

\n```\n\nThe following articles shall be exempted from payment of Primage Duty provided such goods are used for the purpose or purposes specified and that the requirements or conditions of any security to the Australian Customs, which may be entered into, are fulfilled or complied with.\n\n```html\n

\"\"Ex

Ultramarine blue in powder form or in aqueous paste form, for all purposes

Departmental

By-law 97.

Ex 404.

\"\"Ex

Gelatine for photographic use

Departmental

By-law 97.

Ex 404.

\"\"Ex

Lithopone for industrial purposes.

Departmental

By-law 97.

Ex 404.

\n```\n\n \n\nFirst Schedule—continued.\n\nSCHEDULE D.\n\n| Item of the Australian Tariff | Description of Articles |\n| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Ex 144. (b) | Zinc Sheets for lithographic purposes |\n| 242. (c) | Glass, Sheet, viz.:—Figured Rolled, Cathedral, Milled Rolled, Rough Cast and Wired Cast |\n| 250. (a) | Bottles flasks jars vials and tubes, n.e.i., of glass earthenware stoneware or china, empty or containing goods not subject to an ad valorem duty and not classifiable under Item 408 |\n| Ex 250. (b) | Articles of cut glass, including bottles decanters flasks and jars of cut glass empty or containing goods not subject to an ad valorem duty, but not including articles of etched or engraved glass |\n| 250. (f) | Articles of glass including articles of etched or engraved glass (but not including articles covered by sub-items |\n| | (b) and (e)), viz. :— |\n| | Dishes, tumblers, salads, bowls other than lighting-ware, nappies, jugs, candlesticks, butters, battery jars or cells, vases, trays, comports, flowerblocks, mugs, sundaes, goblets, measures including medicine measures |\n| 384. (a) (1) | Photographic and X-Ray Dry Plates and Flat Films, sensitized |\n| 384. (a) (2) | Photographic Sensitized Films n.e.i. |\n| 384. (a) (3) | Photographic Sensitized Papers and Cards also Linen and other Sensitized Materials, n.e.i. ; Postcards (sensitized with or without letterpress) |\n| 397. (a) | Cartridges n.e.i. |\n\nSCHEDULE E.\n\n| Number of the Belgian Tariff | Description of Articles | Rate of Duty |\n| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |\n| 15 | Fats and Greases from neat cattle, sheep and goats— | Free |\n| | b) For industrial purposes | |\n| 22 | Hides and skins, raw | Free |\n| Ex 25 | Wool— | Free |\n| | a) in the grease or not completely freed from the grease | |\n| 93 a) 2. | Fresh Pears : | |\n| | Imported in cases or barrels weighing 20 kilogs. or less (1st February to 31st August, both dates inclusive) | 125 francs per 100 kilogs. |\n| Ex 95 a) | Apples : | |\n| | Fresh : | |\n| | Imported in cases or barrels weighing more than 15 kilogs. (aggregate weight of container and contents) (1st April to 31st August, both dates inclusive) | 25 francs per 100 kilogs. gross weight |\n\n \n\nSECOND SCHEDULE Sec. 2.\n\nCORRESPONDENCE.\n\nPrime Minister’s Department\n\nTrade Treaties\n\nCanberra, F.C.T.\n\n3rd October, 1936.\n\nSir,\n\nWith reference to the Provisional Commercial Agreement signed this day between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia takes note of the requests for the reduction of the duties on the tariff items set out hereunder, submitted by you on behalf of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union during the negotiations.\n\n| Tariff Item. | Goods. |\n| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Ex 58. (c) (1) | Cornflour, when not packed for household use. |\n| Ex 105. (aa) (2) | Artificial Silk Piece Goods, Knitted or Lockstitched, in tubular form or otherwise (except piece goods enumerated in item 208 (d) (2)—Other. |\n| 105. (f) (4) | Piece Goods, felt, of wool or containing wool. |\n| (5) | Piece Goods, felt, composed of hair; Piece Goods, felt, n.e.i. |\n| 120. (a) (1) | Articles, Textile, as under, not being piece goods, viz. :— |\n| | Articles of Furnishing Drapery and Napery, including Quilts n.e.i., Table Covers, Doyleys, Tray Cloths, Sheets, Pillow Cases and Covers, Bolster Cases, Counterpanes, Bed Spreads, Table Mats, Splashers, Tablecloths, Runners, Mantel Borders, Toilet Sets, Bags for Linen, Brush and Comb Bags, Nightdress Cases, Handkerchief Sachets, and the like, Cosies and Cushions in part or wholly made up— |\n| | When not containing wool. |\n| 242. (c) | Glass, viz. :— |\n| | Sheet, viz. :—Figured Rolled, Cathedral, Milled Rolled, Rough Cast and Wired Cast. |\n| 268. | Naphthalene |\n| 271. (a) | Ammonia, viz. :—Acetate, Carbonate, Anhydrous, Liquid and Chloride |\n| Ex 281. (b) (2) | Sulphate of Soda |\n| 384. (a) (1) | Photographic and X-Ray Dry Plates and Flat Films, sensitized. |\n| (2) | Photographic Sensitized Films n.e.i. |\n| (3) | Photographic Sensitized Papers and Cards also Linen and other Sensitized Materials, n.e.i. ; Postcards (sensitized with or without letterpress). |\n\nIn accordance with your desire I have the honour to place on record and confirm the undertaking given on behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, to refer these items to the Tariff Board for public inquiry and report (if not already so referred) with a view to determining an Intermediate Tariff rate based on the present London-Australia rate of exchange.\n\nIn the course of the negotiations you also made the following requests with respect to opaque glass of the Marbrite and Marmorite types, at present classified under Tariff Item 243 (a)—\n\n(1) that these types of glass be classified as polished and patent plate glass ;\n\n(2) that failing a reduction in the duties at present imposed on polished and patent plate glass the Commonwealth Government should introduce Intermediate Tariff rates on glass of these descriptions.\n\nOn behalf of the Commonwealth Government I desire to confirm the assurance given to you that steps will be taken to introduce the necessary amendments of the Australian Customs Tariff.\n\nYours faithfully,\n\nH. S. GULLETT\n\nMinister negotiating Trade Treaties.\n\nM. Armand Nihotte,\n\nActg. Consul-General for Belgium,\n\nSYDNEY, N.S.W.\n\n \n\nSecond Schedule—continued.\n\nConsulat Général de Belgique à Sydney\n\nl.s.\n\nCanberra, F.C.T.\n\n3rd October, 1936.\n\nSir,\n\nIn your letter of to-day’s date you have made the following communication to me :—\n\n“With reference to the Provisional Commercial Agreement signed this day between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia takes note of the requests for the reduction of the duties on the tariff items set out hereunder, submitted by you on behalf of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union during the negotiations.\n\n```html\n

Tariff Item

Goods

Ex 58. (c) (1)

Cornflour, when not packed for household use.

Ex 105. (aa) (2)

Artificial Silk Piece Goods, Knitted or Lockstitched, in tubular form or otherwise (except piece goods enumerated in item 208 (d) (2)—Other.

105. (f) (4)

Piece Goods, felt, of wool or containing wool.

(5)

Piece Goods, felt, composed of hair ; Piece Goods, felt, n.e.i.

120. (a) (1)

Articles, Textile, as under, not being piece goods, viz.:—

Articles of Furnishing Drapery and Napery, including Quilts n.e.i., Table Covers, Doyleys, Tray Cloths, Sheets, Pillow Cases and Covers, Bolster Cases, Counterpanes, Bed Spreads, Table Mats, Splashers, Tablecloths, Runners, Mantel Borders, Toilet Sets, Bags for Linen, Brush and Comb Bags, Nightdress Cases, Handkerchief Sachets, and the like, Cosies and Cushions in part or wholly made up—

When not containing wool.

242. (c)

Glass, viz. :—

Sheet, viz. :—Figured Rolled, Cathedral, Milled Rolled, Rough Cast and Wired Cast.

268.

Naphthalene

271. (a)

Ammonia, viz.:—Acetate, Carbonate, Anhydrous, Liquid and Chloride

Ex 281. (b) (2)

Sulphate of Soda.

384. (a) (1)

Photographic and X-Ray Dry Plates and Flat Films, sensitized.

(2)

Photographic Sensitized Films n.e.i.

(3)

Photographic Sensitized Papers and Cards also Linen and other Sensitized Materials, n.e.i.; Postcards (sensitized with or without letterpress).

\n```\n\nIn accordance with your desire I have the honour to place on record and confirm the undertaking given on behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, to refer these items to the Tariff Board for public inquiry and report (if not already so referred) with a view to determining an Intermediate Tariff rate based on the present London-Australia rate of exchange.\n\nIn the course of the negotiations you also made the following requests with respect To opaque glass of the Marbrite and Marmorite types, at present classified under Tariff Item 243 (a)—\n\n(1) that these types of glass be classified as polished and patent plate glass;\n\n(2) that failing a reduction in the duties at present imposed on polished, and patent plate glass the Commonwealth Government should introduce Intermediate Tariff rates on glass of these descriptions\n\n \n\nOn behalf of the Commonwealth Government I desire to confirm the assurance given to you that steps will be taken to introduce the necessary amendments of the Australian Customs Tariff.”\n\nIn acknowledging the receipt of your letter I have the honour, on behalf of the Belgo\\-Luxemburg Economic Union, to inform you of my acceptance of these assurances.\n\nYours faithfully,\n\nARMAND NIHOTTE\n\nConsulat Général de Belgique à Sydney\n\nl.s.\n\nSir Henry Gullett, K.C.M.G., M.P.,\n\nMinister negotiating Trade Treaties,\n\nCANBERRA, F.C.T.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"model":"kimi-k2.5","source":"moonshot-realtime","completionTokens":3077},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains precisely focused on its original purpose: approving the 1936 Provisional Commercial Agreement with the Belgo-Luxemburg Economic Union and giving parliamentary force to its specific tariff schedules and administrative undertakings. There is no expansion beyond bilateral trade implementation."},"complexity_factors":["Five detailed schedules (A through E) listing over 100 specific Australian Customs Tariff items with technical product descriptions and cross-references (e.g., 'Ex 105. (a) (1) (a)')","Complex quota mathematics in Article IV for sheet glass: base quota of 2,152,500 sq ft, supplementary quotas calculated using precise percentages (35.8725%, 71.745%), and sub-quotas divided by glass quality (11.25% horticultural, 43% 16oz, 40% 21oz, 5.75% heavy)","Conditional obligations triggered by market variables (Australian consumption levels exceeding 7.5 million sq ft, cessation of local production, seasonal horticultural demand)","Integration of diplomatic correspondence as binding undertakings regarding future Tariff Board inquiries and tariff reclassifications","Multiple layers of exceptions and carve-outs (Imperial preference, customs unions, border traffic, public security, moral grounds)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Act approves a 1936 trade pact with Belgium (representing Luxembourg) that cuts Australian import duties on many Belgian/Luxembourg goods, establishes a large annual Belgian quota for plain sheet glass with automatic increases under certain conditions, and confirms most‑favoured‑nation treatment. Belgium also agrees not to ban key Australian farm exports.\n\nIt mainly affects Australian importers of textiles, glass, machinery and chemicals, exporters of wheat/barley/beef, and consumers via likely lower prices."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Act simply approves the provisional commercial agreement and the annexed undertakings as set out in the schedules. It implements tariff concessions, primage exemptions and a quota‑based import regime for a specific product, and records an undertaking to refer items to the Tariff Board; it does not expand the Agreement’s subject‑matter beyond the text provided."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive itemised schedules listing many tariff items with differing duty rates, primage‑duty treatments and exemptions (high granularity).","Product‑specific quota regime for Belgian plain clear sheet glass with formulaic annual adjustments and sub‑allocations by quality and weight (mathematical rules and timing).","Cross‑references to the Australian Tariff and to other customs measures (primage duty, sales tax, permits), requiring administrative classification decisions.","Undertakings to refer certain items to the Tariff Board for inquiry introduce procedural steps and conditional future changes to rates.","Discretionary clauses allowing a party to seek negotiations or take action to re‑establish equilibrium (Article VI) introduce bilateral adjustment power and potential legal uncertainty.","Mixture of treaty‑style text and domestic implementing Act means coordination between foreign‑relations and customs enforcement functions.","Archaic tariff nomenclature and many sub‑items increase interpretive and compliance burdens for importers and Customs."],"plain_english_summary":"This Act approves a provisional commercial agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Belgo‑Luxemburg Economic Union. Mechanically it gives most‑favoured‑nation treatment and specific tariff concessions, primage‑duty exemptions and a Belgian quota and duty for plain clear sheet glass; detailed schedules list the affected tariff items, rates and permitted exemptions. Who it affects: importers, exporters, Australian producers and Customs. Importers pay or save duties set by the schedules; the government decides quotas, Tariff Board referrals and must administer classifications, permits and compliance."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936","history":"/api/acts/trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936/history","analysis":"/api/acts/trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/trade-agreement-belgium-act-1936/documents"}}