—–Original Message—–
From: Vince Farrugia [mailto:]
Sent: 31 January 2005 20:14
To: ‘’
Subject: LN28/20
George Pullicino
Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment
January 29, 2005
L.N. 28 of 2005
Please be informed that in a meeting for Traders and Retailers from the Draperies and Beddings Trade Sector, the traders present noticed that in spite of the changes brought forward by LN 28 on the conditions imposed by LN529/05, the items listed under ¡¥other articles of bedding and similar furnishing¡¦ remained subject to ecotaxation.
The listed items are the following:.
Other articles of bedding and similar furnishing
The HS Code includes;
„h quilts and bedspreads
„h duvets (whether of down or any other filling),
„h quilts for babies and baby carriages,
„h chair covers,
„h mattress protectors,
„h cushions
Physical Properties:
These items are made of a mix of polyester and cotton also known as polycotton. This material has identical properties with the material used in a vast and long list of draperies and items of clothing including curtains, clothing and upholstery.
Polycotton does not pose any additional hazard to the environment. Indeed the fact that this material is being classified by the Ministry as a potential waste hazard is raising the fear that the next list of items for ecotaxation would include personal clothing. The inclusion of items of bedding other than mattresses is extremely unjust and is causing unnecessary pain as consumers are learning that after the steep increase in the price of kerosene for heating and the surcharge on electricity which effectively precludes the use of electric heating, now even items of bedding are being taxed and that clothing may be next on line.
GRTU strongly urges you to reconsider your decision. The amount of money collected will not make a difference on government financing if it is declined, but the taxation of these items will surely create a highly negative reaction as these items are already subject to a stiff 18% VAT.
VINCE FARRUGIA
DIRECTOR GENERAL
GRTU
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