Customs moots change to re-export duty rules

THERE IS a possible change to be made in the application of Item 470.03 of the Customs Act, according to Geoff Epstein, internal auditor at Safcor Panalpina (incorporating Renfreight).
"This," he told FTW, "provides for the duty-free admission of dutiable items intended for use in the manufacture, processing, finishing, equipping or packing of goods exclusively for export."
To take advantage of this provision, he added, importers must have a special permit issued by the director-general: Trade & Industry on the recommendation of the Board of Trade and Industry.
"Although at present imports under item 470.03 do not pay either duty or VAT, consideration is apparently being given to changing this dispensation so that only customs duties will be rebated and not VAT."