On 25 October 2024, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) extended an invitation for comment on its self-initiated investigation for the possible creation of a rebate of the whole duty on copper sulphates, classifiable in tariff subheading 2833.25, used in the manufacture of preparations of a kind used in animal feeding in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as ITAC may allow by specific permit, provided the product is not available in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market. Comment is due by 08 November 2024.
The reasoning provided for the application:
- ITAC Report No.675: The increase in the ‘General’ rate of customs duty on sulphates; alums; peroxosulphates (persulphates): of copper, classifiable under tariff subheading 2833.25 from free of duty to 10% ad valorem, was implemented by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) on 20 September 2024.
- The then Trade, Industry and Competition Minister took cognisance of the unintentional consequential impact on the animal feed manufacturing sector, which uses copper sulphate in its production processes, once the increased duty is implemented, and subsequently requested that ITAC conduct an expedited investigation regarding the possible creation of a rebate facility for copper sulphate used in the manufacture of animal feed.