Worn Clothing In a Government Gazette dated 08 February 2013 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) published guidelines pertaining to applications for permits in terms of provision under Rebate Item 311.18/63.09/01.04 of Schedule No.3 to the Customs and Excise Act. The notice serves to notify interested parties that all applications submitted for permits in terms of the Rebate Item for the rebate of the full rate of customs duty on worn clothing and other articles of textile material, used for the manufacture of industrial wiping rags and cleaning cloths will be dealt with according to the revised guidelines posted on Itac’s website. The revised guidelines were effective from 08 February 2013. Economic/Industrial Policy Course The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has announced the commencement, on 11 March 2013, of its 2013 Capacity Building Programme on Economic Development and Industrial Policy, which it has developed in partnership with the University of Witwatersrand, School of Economics and Business Sciences For more information on the course contact Yvonne Mathonsi (nymathonsi@thedti. gov.za); edith.leine@wits.ac.za; or ntomboxolo.currie@wits. ac.za Emia Notice The dti has appointed three Preferred Service Providers (PSPs) for the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Group Scheme for the provision of specialised travel management to customers, including air travel, hotel accommodation and ground transport. The appointed PSPs are Magic Travel (Pty) Ltd; Travel with Flair; and Wings Naledi Travel. The new panel of PSPs was appointed effective from 01 October 2012 to ensure better value for Emia customers, competitive pricing and a broader choice of service providers. Solar Panel Product Dispute On 06 February 2013 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) announced that the United States of America (USA) had notified the WTO Secretariat of its request for consultations with India on certain measures relating to domestic content requirements under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (NSM) for solar cells and solar modules. The USA claims that India requires solar power developers to buy and use domestic solar cells and solar modules in order to benefit from participating in the Jawaharlal Nehru NSM programme and to enter into contracts under the NSM programme or with the National Power Company. Renewable Energy Dispute On 5 February 2013 Canada filed a notice of appeal with the WTO in the dispute cases “Canada – Certain Measures Affecting the Renewable Energy Generation Sector”, complaint by Japan” and “Canada – Measures Relating to the Feed in Tariff Programme”, complaint by the European Union”. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment is due in respect of: The review of the customs duty on photographic plates and film in the flat by 22 February 2013. The proposed amendments relating to Additional Note 4 to Chapter 22 “Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar” by 22 February 2013. The exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste and scrap by 22 February 2013. Three rebates of the customs duty on polyurethane flat shapes, silicon elastomeric straps, and natural rubber by 22 February 2013.
