On 16 January 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) called for comment on the application for the creation of a temporary rebate provision (Rebate Item) for the importation of “Butterfly valves of stainless steel, with an inside diameter not exceeding 150mm, classifiable in tariff subheading 8481.80.31, for use in the hygienic and liquid food industry, in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission may allow by specific permit, provided the products are not available in the SACU market”. Comment is due by 13 February 2026.
The application was lodged by Guth SA (Pty) Ltd, who reasoned that:
- It is competing in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market with lower-priced imported end products. It is thus important that the rebate item is created to allow for the customs duty-free importation of the subject products, to allow them to compete with the imported end products that are customs duty-free;
- The subject products applied for are not available in the dimensions, grade specifications, and the required sealing materials that are for use in the food and beverage industry, and the customs duty has an unnecessary cost-raising effect; and
- Although certain subject products are manufactured in the SACU market, the valves applied for are not manufactured in SACU. The rebate provision allows other valves not subject to the investigation to remain protected, while providing customs duty relief to it and its customers.