The Minister of Transport has given public notice of the Department of Transport’s intention to introduce the Merchant Shipping (Safe Containers) Bill (Bill), 2009 into Parliament during the third quarter of 2010. The Bill was published for comment in the Government Gazette on 15 April 2009. The object of the Bill is to give effect to the International Convention for Safe Containers, and to provide for matters connected with it. Comments are due on or before 16 August 2010. Warp, Knitted or Crocheted Fabrics Application The proposed amendment of the Rebate Items that relate to warp, knitted or crocheted fabrics in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) may allow by specific permit. Comment is due by 20 August 2010. Medical Glass Ampoules Application The proposed reduction in the rate of customs duty on medical glass ampoules from 10% ad valorem to free of customs duty. Comment is due by 20 August 2010. Initiation of an Anti- Dumping Investigation The proposed initiation of a sunset review of the anti-dumping duties on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) originating in or imported from India, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). Comment is due by 30 August 2010. Blanket Anti-Dumping Duties Deleted The deletion of the anti-dumping duties on blankets (excluding electric blankets), containing acrylic fibres, imported from Sekapa Tekstil, and blankets (excluding electric blankets), containing acrylic fibres (excluding those imported from Ak-Pa Tekstil Ihracat Pazarlama AS, Istanbul and Sekapa Tekstil) with retrospective effect from 15 July 2010. The anti-dumping duties were imposed on blankets imported from or originating in Turkey in terms of Items 211.14/6301.90/04.06 and 211.14/6301.90/05.06. Used Overcoats New Rebate Item Inserted The amendment to Schedule No.4 to the Customs and Excise Act, namely the deletion of Rebate Item 460.11/60.00/01.01 and the insertion of Rebate Item 460.11/00.00/01.00. These provisions provide for used overcoats and the like, and are imposed with retrospective effect from 01 January 2010. This tariff amendment was recommended in Itac Minute M2/2010. Rebate Item 460.11/00.00/01.00 reads as follows “Used overcoats, car-coats, raincoats, anoraks, ski-jackets, duffle-coats, mantles, parkas and similar clothing articles (excluding windjackets and wind-cheaters), classifiable under tariff headings 61.01, 61.02, 62.01 and 62.02 and worn articles specified in tariff subheading 6309.00.13, in bales not containing other clothing articles, in such quantities, at such time and subject to such conditions as Itac may allow by specific permit”.
