Tariff Amendment Correction On 12 June the South African Revenue Service (Sars) announced the correction to Notice R.376, published in the Government Gazette of 18 May 2012, which displayed the rebate code to Rebate Item 304.07/2002.90 (tomato paste in containers of 200 litre or more used in the manufacture of food preparations) incorrectly as 01.05. Although it was correctly published in the Government Gazette, the Sars website was updated to display the rebate code as 01.06. Customs Connect – Issue 3 Sars has released its 17-page “Customs Connect” June 2012 issue (issue no.3). It covers, among other issues, the following: (i) BLNS border posts seeing the gains of Customs Modernisation, (ii) Changes for travellers at land borders, (iii) Electronic Cargo Reporting: One year later, and (iv) New payment process to benefit traders. Measures on Dried Fruit The National Agricultural Marketing Council has extended an invitation to all interested parties to comment on its “Application for the Continuation of Statutory Measures on Dried Fruit” by no later than 29 June. Fruit Juices for Sale in South Africa – Comment Due The National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, through the Agricultural Products Standards Act, has advised of “Regulations relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Fruit Juice and Drink intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa: Proposed Amendment”. Comment is due by no later than 29 June 2012. Malting Barley Regulations The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has advised of the “Proposed New Regulations relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Malting Barley intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa”, on which comment is due on 07 August 2012. Customs Rules for Travellers In an earlier issue we advised of a Sars notice to amend the Rules to the Customs and Excise Act (Sections 15 and 120), and forms relating to the Traveller Card (TC-01) and the Traveller Declaration (TRD1). The following implementation dates apply – Oshoek (30 June), and Ficksburg (07 July). Tax Agreement with Seychelles In a Government Gazette dated 06 June 2012 Sars advised of the “Protocol Amending the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes and Income”. The Agreement entered into force on 15 May 2012. Duty Calls’ Watch List The proposed reduction in the rate of customs duty on AC generators (alternators) for which comment is due by 22 June 2012. The proposed withdrawal of Rebate Item 470.01/00.00/01.00 for which comment is due by 22 June 2012. The proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on frozen half shelled mussels, for which comment is due by 06 July 2012. The proposed review of the customs duties on salmon and trout for which comment is due by 20 July 2012.
