New Chinese import tariffs favor flexo unit presses

The Chinese government has published a new schedule of import tariffs for print-related consumables and machinery, which heavily favors in-line flexo presses and roll-fed applicators.  

In a Q&A session with officials from the Ministry of Finance, it was announced that a relatively low provisional tariff rate will be levied on key equipment and components which facilitate the introduction and promotion of new technology – such as the unit-type narrow flexographic press. The purpose of this adjustment of tariff rate is to encourage enterprises to innovate, and to boost the development of high-tech industry and advanced manufacturing industry. 

In other parts of the new schedule, the import tariff rate on photosensitive plate materials remains the same, but there will be a zero tariff rate on CTP equipment and remote ink controllers for offset presses.