On 01 July 2016 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) announced that its 19 February 2016 tariff application had been terminated. Itac received the tariff application from Amcor Flexible (Pty) Ltd on 14 September 2015 for an increase in the ‘general’ rates of customs duties on printed bi-axially orientated polypropylene (BOPP) film or polymers of propylene, classifiable under tariff subheading 3920.20.25, 3920.20.35 from 10% ad valorem to 20% ad valorem customs duty and 3920.20.45 from free (0%) of customs duty to 20% ad valorem customs duty. It is also described as other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other material which is used in the packaging industry.
As the reason for the withdrawal of the tariff application, Itac said that on 11 May 2016 it had received a request from Amcor Flexible (Pty) Ltd for the withdrawal of the tariff application as the increase in the ‘general’ rate of customs duty was no longer supported by other domestic producers’ flexible packaging. Itac considered the request at its meeting held on 14 June 2016 and decided to terminate the tariff application.
