Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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265. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of applications received by the Revenue Commissioners for the binding tariff classification tests for each of the past five years; the average length of time for an application; if there is any option available to manufacturers to request an urgent classification, which may have a significant impact on their business, owing to market demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28478/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The following table shows the number of Binding Tariff Information (BTI) applications received by the Revenue Commissioners over the last 5 years:

The length of time it takes to process an application can vary considerably, depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the requirement to consult with technical experts, with the customs authorities in other Member States and with the European Commission.  Over the period from 2011, the average processing time for a BTI application was 59 days.

In general, applications are processed in the order in which they are received but the Revenue Commissioners do and will continue to prioritise the occasional applications from traders who require a BTI as a matter of urgency.

The Deputy may wish to note the availability of a less formal process than BTI whereby traders can seek non-binding classification opinions.  In 2014, the Revenue Commissioners dealt with 18,095 such requests.  Non-binding opinions are delivered within 24 hours except where special circumstances (such as the need to verify chemical composition of a compound) are involved.