Afeigraf defends import tax reduction of paper

The Association of Suppliers of equipment and supplies for the printing industry (Afeigraf) yesterday announced the creation of a working group with the aim of defending the interests of the printing industry with regard to the supply of imported papers. Are part of the Group eight industries and suppliers who together account for approximately 90% of the volume of imported paper provided for print purposes, writing and producing packaging. According to Dieter Brandt, Chief Executive Officer of the entity, the initiative is important for the strengthening of the graphic sector, which has been seriously impacted by the traditional tax barriers in the country, in addition to the high import tax of imported paper. "The Brazilian market is not self-sufficient in several types of paper, and imports are essential to ensure balance and competitiveness of national graphic," he said. "The recent increase in import tax rates for commercial paper has been extremely harmful for printing industry."
Brandt pointed out that the approach of international suppliers of paper broadens the scope of practice of Afeigraf and strengthens the body. "Together with the industry and suppliers of imported paper, the Afeigraf won representation, even for really effective measures to combat the misuse of purpose of commercial paper, which definitely cannot be attributed only to imported paper."
Among the members of the working group are Cathay, exclusive representative of Brazil APP – one of the three largest world's paper industries with headquarters in China and Indonesia-and the South African Sappi, which together are responsible for the majority of imported paper. The other participating suppliers of the initiative are Copap, Samab Roxcel, Talico, of Brazil, CN-Brazil Elof Hansson, and importers of different brands. The eight members have become effective partners of Afeigraf.