In summary, the international shipping industry is broadly satisfied with the status quo
with respect to the current text of the Convention, including Article 8. However, with
respect to the current text of Article 15, opinions within the shipping industry appear to
differ. ICS is cautious about commenting on proposed changes whose wider
implications are difficult to fully understand, despite having been carefully studied by our
members. ICS therefore suggests that the proposed changes to the OECD Model
Convention need to be subjected to a far more comprehensive review.
The Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr Masamichi Morooka, has written to the Chinese Minister of Finance, encouraging the Chinese Government to continue its efforts to find a solution to the problems created by the application of Value Added Tax (VAT), since 1 August, to the transport and logistics services provided by ‘Wholly Foreign Owned Shipping Companies’.
The purpose of this initial informal submission is to present the view of the liner shipping industry with respect to the need for continuation of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (BER), with the aim of assisting the Commission as it continues its review of the Consortia BER. WSC, ECSA, and ICS respectfully urge the Commission to continue the current successful policy authorized by Article 103 of the Treaty and by Council Regulation (EC) No 246/2009 by extending the Consortia BER for at least another five years.
Submission by International Group of P & I Clubs (IG), Intercargo, ICS and BIMCO, Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers, 17th Session, Agenda Item 4, July 2012.
Submission by Singapore, Liberia, Marshall Islands, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Cruise Line International Association (CLIA),Maritime Safety Committee, 90th Session, Agenda Item 25, March 2012.
Submission by Republic of Liberia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), GlobalMET, International Maritime Pilot's Association (IMPA), Intercargo, Intertanko, International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA), International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) and International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), Sub-Committee On Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue, 16th Session, Agenda Item 11, January 2012.
Submission by Dominica, Liberia, Marshall Islands, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Intercargo, Intertanko, International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA), International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), Nautical Institute (NI), and Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF).
Sub-Committee On Ship Design And Equipment
56th Session
Agenda Item 3
December 2011