On 26 July Itac announced a reduction in the ‘general’ rate of customs duty on cooker hoods having a maximum horizontal side not exceeding 120 cm, domestic type classifiable in tariff subheading 8414.60.20 from 15% ad valorem to free, on which comment is due by 23 August.
The application was lodged by Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that historically, Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd sourced cooker hoods domestically from Remkor Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd; however, the domestic manufacturer has since discontinued the manufacture of cooker hoods, leaving Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd with no option but to import the product. Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd’s competitive position is negatively affected by the customs duty of 15% ad valorem incurred on the cooker hoods.
Story by: Riaan de Lange