Page 190 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (I)_Neat

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ennrt from customs, I find thet there are none which can be

reasonably raised or which could produce anything near the
uncunt of extra revenue which is ;re^u 5re- These other
sources of revenue in themselves' only amount to nbout one

sixth of the estimated customs revenue.
I consider it inadvisable to tamper with the present 556
&d valorem customs duty on imports. a, flat rate has much

io recommend it; it has been fixed by treaty and also being
a low rate it creates a satisfactory impression among inis
intending importers, though this is perhaps somewhat of un

illusion as including all incidental dues and fees to the
Landing company etc. almost 7is now paid on imports before
they reach the market. There remains the Khanchia.
The Khanchia fee is somewhat in the ncture of Demurrage,

or a warehouse, due. It is in the first place collected
on all imports which are then allowed to remain in the customs

r/Hcrehouse for ten clear working days excluding holidays. On
the expiration of this ten -lays if the imports are not re­
moved another Khanchia charge is levied and the goods may

remain for a further ten days, in practice this frequently
done.
The Khanchia is levied according to a list of set rates

which were decided upon many years ago by the local merchants,
l::e rates are very inconsistent and appear to have been made
with no reg-lar system.
It is proposed to charge a new rote of one anna per maund

cn all.beg cargo from the beginning of 1250. 'This increase
will produce an additional lac of rupees which will balance
the budget. It will be clearly indicated that this is

entirely an emergency measure. If trade improves after
1250, or if the necessary amount is'realised before the end
of 1250 this-'addition will be withdrawn, and the rote will

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