WCO Workshop on Origin On 25 January 2011 the World Customs Organisation (WCO) hosted a “Workshop on Origin Certification” which explored three central themes: (1) e-Certification, (2) Self Certification, and (3) Verification of Proof of Origin. If you are interested in any of the presentations, just send us an email. Customs Duty Reduction On 18 March 2011 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) announced the reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on glass ampoules from 10% ad valorem to free of customs duty. A “glass ampoule” is a small sealed vial that is used to contain and preserve a sample, usually in a solid or liquid form. The application for the reduction of the customs duty was initially brought by Bodene (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that there were no Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) manufacturers of glass ampoules, especially for pharmaceutical applications, and as a result the customs duty contributes to the high costs of an already expensive item. Glass ampoules were previously manufactured in Sacu by Anchor (Pty) Ltd, which has subsequently terminated such activity. It is understood that only one Sacu company responded to the initial application and supported it. Duty Calls’ “Watch List” The proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on semifabricated aluminium rolled products on which comment is due by 15 April 2011. The proposed rebate of the customs duty on ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% volume or higher, for the manufacture of petrol on which comment is due by 15 April 2011.
