New Pneumatic Tyres Rebate On 15 March the South African Revenue Service (Sars) announced an amendment of Part 2 of Schedule No 4 to the Customs and Excise Act. The deletion of Rebate Item 460.07/4011.61/01.06 and substitution of Rebate Item 460.07/4011.10/01.06 for new pneumatic tyres of rubber of a kind used on motor cars for organised motor sport under such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) after consultation with Motorsport South Africa may allow by specific permit. Salmon and Trout Review On 08 March Itac announced the outcome of the review of the tariff structure for salmon and trout which was approved by the Minister of Trade and Industry on 21 February 2013, which is now available in the form of a report. Chicken Anti-Dumping On 08 March 2013 Itac announced the final decision in the investigation into the alleged dumping of frozen meat of fowls of chicken originating in or imported from Brazil. The Minister of Trade and Industry rejected Itac’s recommendation for the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties, but amongst others considered that an investigation into the increase in the general rate of customs duty would be a more appropriate consideration. Frozen Potato Chips Safeguard On 08 March Itac published two notices, namely: (i) Termination of the Investigation for Remedial Action in the form of a Safeguard Against the Increased Imports of Frozen Potato Chips, classifiable under tariff subheading 2004.10.90; and (ii) Notice of Initiation of the Investigation for Remedial Action in the form of a Safeguard Against the Increased Imports of Potato Chips. Comment is due by 08 May 2013. Special Economic Zones Bill The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has announced in a Government Gazette notice that the Minister of Trade and Industry intends to introduce the Special Economic Zones Bill during March 2013. Floor Covering Tariff Classification On 11 March Sars published the judgement in the matter between Terraplas South Africa (Pty) Ltd and the Commissioner for Sars, which was delivered on 20 February 2013. The matter pertained to the classification of plastic tiles described as pitch protection titles or temporary drivable roadway tiles. The judgement considered the application and use of the tiles, which resulted in the deliberation of the definition of “floor” and “floor covering”. The judgement determined the most appropriate tariff subheading to be 3918.90.40 resulting in a preferential rate of customs duty (free of duty or 0%) applying to imports from the European Union (EU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while imports from European Free Trade Association (EFTA) attract a rate of customs duty of 2.5% ad valorem, and all other imports (under General) are liable for a rate of customs duty of 10% ad valorem. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment is due on: * the proposed inclusion of boxer shorts under a Rebate Item by 22 March 2013. * the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on nails by 22 March 2013. * the proposed creation of a temporary rebate of customs duty on aluminium slugs for impact extrusion by 22 March 2013.
