The dti’s Call to Exporters The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has extended an invitation to all exporters and emerging exporters to apply to participate in Investment and Trade Initiatives (ITIs) in Brazil, India, Russia (three of the BRICS countries), and Zimbabwe in March 2012. The ITIs are scheduled for Brazil (12 to 16 March), India (19 to 23 March), Russia (26 to 30 March), and Zimbabwe (26 to 30 March). The objectives of these ITIs are to showcase South Africa’s export capabilities and to increase exports of manufactured goods in these emerging markets. WCO Origin Workshop On 18 January the World Customs Organisation (WCO) held its Origin Workshop – Certification and Verification. The Verification session of the workshop was addressed, amongst others, by Matome Mathole of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) whose presentation was titled “Customs Trade Operations: Post Verification of Origin”. The WCO has released a copy of the presentation. Taxation Agreement with San Marino In a Government Gazette dated 25 January a notice appeared with respect to the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of San Marino for the Exchange of Information Relating to Tax Matters”. The Agreement entered into force on 28 January 2012. Pesticide Residues in Foodstuffs A recent Government Gazette contained a notice in respect of “Regulations Governing the Maximum Limits for Pesticide Residues that may be Present in Foodstuffs: Amendment”. The amendment relates to “citrus fruits”, “pome fruits”, and “stone fruits”. According to the notice: (i) “citrus fruits” means lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges, mandarins (including clementines and tangerines) and tangelos, unless otherwise stated; (ii) “pome fruits” means apples and pears, unless otherwise stated; and (iii) “stone fruits” means apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and prunes, unless otherwise stated. The notice also contains three tables, “Chemical Substance”, “Foodstuffs”, and “MRL (mg/kg)”. 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 on the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on other aerials for reception apparatus for television is due by 24 February 2012.
