Chairman of the committee: Mr. Reto RINDLISBACHER (Nordica Ski and Ski Boots Director, Tecnica Group)

Japanese import duties on European ski boots

The Ski Boots Group was created in 1997 when FESI was approached by its ski boots producing members in order to address the issue of high Japanese import duties on European ski boots. Since then, FESI has taken on many lobbying initiatives and secured support from national member federations, European governments, the European Commission and Japanese counterparts.

FESI's first step was to raise awareness of this issue and to successfully promote the insertion of this topic on the Agenda of the Multilateral DOHA Development Round. Our efforts currently focus on reclassifying ski boots in a more favourable custom nomenclature. As evidence of our commitment, we have addressed proposals to the Japanese government for the re-investment of subsequent financial savings into the domestic winter sector.

Since autumn 2008, FESI has organised two important meetings with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, thus creating a forum for dialogue between ski boots manufacturers and Japanese authorities.

In addition, we are currently working on developing methodology standards aimed at testing the durability of materials used to produce ski boots. This should ideally lead to the adoption of a new CEN standard, allowing our brands to enhance their liability and the safety of the consumer.