Photographic Plates Application In a Government Gazette dated 25 January 2013 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) announced a review of the customs duty on photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, of any material (excluding paper, paperboard or textiles); instant print film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs for X-ray, classifiable under tariff subheading 3701.10.90 with a rate of customs duty of 15% ad valorem. The application was lodged by Itac who reasoned that in its Report No 383 it had recommended the review of the tariff structure after a period of twelve months, in light of the demand and supply conditions in the X-ray film industry and the activity of the local slitting industry. Comment is due by 22 February 2013. Rebate Applications Itac published three rebate of the customs duty applications in a Government Gazette dated 25 January 2013. The applications were initiated by 3M South Africa (Pty) Ltd who reasoned it was necessary (i) to re-introduce local manufacturing, (ii) increase labour work force from 130 heads to 145 heads, (iii) reduce the cost of production to the market and allow it to be competitive as the costs will have decreased, and (iv) advance investment and promote employment by 2015. First – polyurethane flat shapes with dimensions not exceeding 50mm x 2mm x 10mm, self-adhesive on one side only rolls of a width not exceeding 20cm, classifiable under tariff subheading 3919.10.07. Second – silicon elastomeric straps with length not exceeding 315mm and with width not exceeding 7mm, classifiable under tariff subheading 3926.90.90. Third – Natural rubber straps with a length not exceeding 315mm with a width not exceeding 7mm, classifiable under tariff subheading 6307.90.10 for the manufacture of dust masks. Comment is due by 22 February 2013. Coated Paper Dumping Application In a Government Gazette dated 25 January 2013 Itac gave notice of the initiation of an investigation into the alleged dumping of coated paper originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China and Korea (South Korea). The application was lodged by Sappi Southern Africa (Proprietary Limited) who submitted sufficient evidence and established a prima facie case to enable Itac to arrive at a reasonable conclusion that an investigation should be initiated on the basis of dumping, material injury and causality. Comment is due by 04 March 2013. IDZ External Guide The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has published its External Guide for Industrial Development Zones or IDZs, dated 31 January 2013. It covers the legislation governing the IDZs and CCAs as well as the administrative processes and requirements applicable thereto. Waste and Scrap Metal In two Government Gazettes dated 25 January 2013 two notices appeared in respect of the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste and scrap. The first was “Draft export control guidelines on the exportation of ferrous and nonferrous metal waste and scrap”. The second was “Draft policy directive on the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal”. The products in question are amongst other ferrous, copper, nickel, aluminium, lead zinc, tin, manganese, vanadium. Comment on both notices is due by 22 February 2013.
