Chicken Meat Investigation On 12 June 2013 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) issued the following media release titled “Investigation of an increase in tariffs on imported chicken meat”. On 11 June 2013, the Commission met to evaluate the outcomes of the investigation on the application by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), for an increase in the duty on a range of categories of frozen chicken meat. At its meeting, the Commission heard and considered submissions by interested parties making both written and oral presentations to it. The interested parties that made submissions included SAPA, the applicant, and those opposing the application, namely the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), Merlo and Boxer. In its consideration and deliberations on the production, trade and financial information pertaining to the poultry industry, the Commission concluded that further in-depth and rigorous analysis of the information at its disposal was needed. It therefore decided to make a final determination on this matter at its next meeting, scheduled for 09 July 2013. After this meeting, a recommendation will be made to the Minister of Trade and Industry. The power to decide on import tariffs resides with the executive authority and Itac is an expert body that provides advice to government. It must be noted that there is also a High Court hearing in relation to this investigation scheduled for 18 June 2013. The High Court hearing is on an application launched by AMIE to access confidential information pertaining to the investigation. Handover of Vessels In a Government Gazette dated 11 June 2013 the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries published for general information, confirmation of the transfer of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (Daff) f leet of vessels from the Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DODMV) to Daff with effect from 01 April 2013. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment is due by 05 July 2013 in respect of the corrected notice for the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on certain screws, bolts and nuts. Comment is due by 28 June 2013 in respect of the proposed reduction in the rate of customs duty on laminates of phenolic resins with a basis of paper, by the creation of a new 8-digit tariff subheading for “laminates of phenolic” resins with a basis of paper, thermosetting”. Comment is due by 28 June 2013 in respect of the proposed rebate of the customs duty on (i) polyurethane f lat shapes self-adhesive on one side only in rolls; (ii) silicone elastomeric straps; (iii) natural rubber straps; and (iv) inner and outer shells of non-woven material for the manufacture of dust masks.
