‘Check your duty rates from Europe’

SA IMPORTERS acquiring goods in Europe should take note that two trade agreements and different rates of duty apply, according to Jeff Epstein, senior freight auditor at Safcor Panalpina. This followed a trade agreement being finalised in November last year between the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) member countries of SA, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. “It was ratified by all contracting parties, and the preferential rates of duty were introduced by Sacu from January 1,” Epstein told FTW. But, he warned, although goods originating from these countries have the same documentary requirements for preferential admission to the Sacu as those from the European Union (EU) – the EUR 1 – duty rates are not necessarily the same. “Importers should thus ascertain where goods originate before purchasing and also ensure that the relevant transit/ transport requirements are complied with.”