Finance Measures
BACKGROUND
Financial measures are intended to regulate the access to and cost of foreign exchange for imports and define the terms of payment. They may increase import costs in the same manner as tariff measures. It includes measures such as advance payment requirements, and regulations governing foreign exchange rates.
Examples:
Payment of 50% of the transaction value is required three months before the expected arrival of the goods to the port of entry.
Imports of construction materials are allowed only if payments may be made through the foreign direct investment fund.
SCOPE
The scope of this measure includes the following:
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Advance payment requirement
- Advance payment requirements related to the value of the import transaction and/or related import taxes: these payments are made at the time an application is lodged, or when an import licence is ssued.
- Varying exchange rates for imports, depending on the product category: usually, the official rate is reserved for essential commodities while the other goods must be paid at commercial rates or occasionally by buying foreign exchange through auctions.
- Regulation on official foreign exchange allocation
- This includes prohibition of foreign exchange allocation, a requirement to obtain a special import authorization from the central bank and authorization linked with non-official foreign exchange.