Photographic Plates and Film Tariff Application The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) extended an invitation to any interested party to comment on the proposed reduction in the rate of 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 from 15% ad valorem to free of customs duty. The application was lodged by Africa X-Ray Industrial & Medical (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that AGFA will cease to utilise its sole supplier of cut X-ray films from 31 August 2011 and that the current rate of customs duty will have a cost raising effect in the absence of a local X-ray processing plant. Comment is due by 23 September 2011. Filament Yarn Tariff Application ITAC extended an invitation to any interested party to comment on the proposed rebate of the rate of customs duty on: (i) Synthetic filament yarn of nylon or other polyamides, measuring per single yarn or more than 500 dtex, textured, for the manufacture of tufted carpets identified for use in motor vehicles; (ii) Synthetic filament yarn of polyesters for the manufacture of tufted carpets identified for use in motor vehicles; (iii) Non-woven’s, whether or not impregnated, coated or laminated, of a mass exceeding 25 g/m2 but not exceeding 70 g/m2 for the manufacture of tufted carpets identifiable for use in motor vehicles; and (iv) Non-woven’s, whether or not impregnated, coated or laminated, of a mass exceeding 70 g/m2 but not exceeding 150 g/m2 for the manufacture of tufted carpets identifiable for use in motor vehicles. The application was lodged by Futiris Feltex (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that the industrial yarn impacts negatively on the ability of the applicant to compete in the market, and it has an unnecessary cost raising effect. Yarn used for industrial purposes i.e. non textile and clothing applications should be excluded from the one utilised by the clothing and allied industries as they differ from yarns in automotive carpets. The proposed rebate provisions will improve the industry’s competitiveness, decrease the prices of tufted carpets supplied to the downstream market. Comment is due by 23 September 2011. Water Meter Tariff Application ITAC extended an invitation to any interested party to comment on the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on water meters designed for use with piping with an inside diameter not exceeding 30mm from free of customs duty to 10% ad valorem. The application was lodged by Elster Kent Metering (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that the penetration of low cost imports into the local market at substantially low prices is undercutting the existing market prices and reducing the market share of local manufacturers. Comment is due by 23 September 2011. Disposable Baby Diapers Tariff Amendment On 26 August 2011 the South African Revenue Service (SARS) informed of the amendment of Schedule No.3 to the Customs and Excise Act (the Act). The amendment was in respect of the substitution of Rebate Items 310.09/5603.1/01.05, 310.09/5603.9/01.05, 311.33/5603.1/01.05 and 311.33/5603.09/01.05, for the manufacture of disposable napkins for babies.
