Lawn Mower Blades Tariff application On 24 February the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) published a notice in respect of the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty (duty) on lawn mower blades, classifiable under tariff subheading 8208.40, free of customs duty to 20% ad valorem. To facilitate the proposed increase it is proposed that an 8-digit tariff subheading (a South African-specific tariff subheading) be created under tariff subheading 8208.40 for “lawn mower blades”. The application was lodged by Collier Tool & Die CC, who reasoned that the increase in the rate of customs duty was required to improve the industry’s competitiveness. Comment is due by 23 March 2012. National Budget 2012 On 22 February the Minister of Finance presented South Africa’s National Budget in Parliament. As has become customary in recent years the “sin duties”, the rates of customs duty on liquors, and tobacco, were increased. However, what was unexpected was the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty (“luxury duties”) on a number “luxury goods”. From 01 October 2012 the ad valorem customs duty (Schedule No.1 Part 2B to the Customs and Excise Act) will increase on aeroplanes, helicopters, motorboats, and sailboats. The aircraft with a mass exceeding 450kg but not exceeding 5 000kg, and the boats not exceeding 10m. It should be borne in mind that an ad valorem excise duty will also be imposed. Road Traffic Infringement Agency On 24 February the Department of Transport published an “Invitation for Nominations of Persons to Serve as Non-Executive Members to the Board of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA)”. The objectives of the Agency are to administer the procedures to discourage the contravention of road traffic laws and to execute the adjudication of infringements; enforce penalties imposed against persons contravening road traffic laws; to provide specialised prosecution support; and undertake community education and community awareness programmes in order to ensure that individuals understand their rights and options. The closing date for nominations is 16 March 2012. Tax Information Exchange with Jersey In a Government Gazette of 21 February the South African Revenue Service (Sars) published a notice in respect of an “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Jersey for the Exchange of Information with respect to Taxes”. The Agreement entered into force on 29 February 2012. Tax Information Exchange with Cayman Islands In a Government Gazette of 21 February 2012 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) published a notice in respect of an “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Cayman Islands for the Exchange of Information with respect to Taxes”. The Agreement entered into force on 23 February 2012. Duty Calls’ Watch List Public comment in respect of the “Special Economic Zones Bill, 2011” (“Policy on the Development of Special Economic Zones in South Africa – 2012”), is due by 22 March 2012. Comment is due in respect of the imposition of a provisional payment (PP) on frozen meat of fowls of the species Gallus Domesticus, whole birds and boneless cuts, originating in or imported from Brazil.
