On 20 November 2015 Itac published the proposed reduction in the ‘general’ rate of customs duty in tariff subheading 3701.30.25 from 15% ad valorem to free of customs duty, for which comment is due by 18 December 2015.
The application was lodged by Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that (i) There is no Sacu manufacturer of aluminium printing plates. The last existing known manufacturer (First Graphics) closed down about 10 years ago; (ii) The current 15% ad valorem customs duty has become an unnecessary cost burden, given that there are no more domestic manufacturers; and (iii) The suppliers and users of the subject product have no alternative apart from importing the subject product.