Swiss officials said they were surprised by the decision and would do everything possible to ensure the tax does not come into force. .
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Until now products and materials imported to Switzerland and subsequently exported back to the EU have not been subject to customs charges. .
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Officials at Seco said they were unable to put a price tag on the cost to Swiss companies, but warned that many businesses would suffer as a result. .
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“It is not possible to quantify exactly what this will mean for the Swiss economy,” commented Seco Antje Baertschi.
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“But we are talking about a considerable sum, especially when you bear in mind the number of companies affected by this,” she added. .
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According to the economics ministry, the new tax will affect a large number of sectors – including the textile, chemical and pharmaceutical industries – which rely on raw materials from EU member states. – Agencies.
Date:2/19/2004
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