Aluminium Rolled Products Comment in respect of the proposed 10% increase in the rate of customs duty on semifabricated aluminium rolled products classifiable under tariff headings 76.06 and 76.07 is due by 15 April 2011. The application was lodged by Hulamin Operations (Pty) Ltd, whose stated reason for the application was to improve the industry’s competitiveness. Ethyl Alcohol The proposed rebate of the customs duty on ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% volume or higher, classifiable under tariff heading 22.07, at such times, in such quantities and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) may allow by specific permit, for the manufacture of petrol of tariff subheading 2710.11.02. Provided that: (a) In the case of undenatured or partially denatured ethyl alcohol, (i) The provisions of Rule 19A.09(c) of the Customs and Excise Act (Act) are complied with; (ii) All other provisions of the Act pertaining to locally manufactured excisable goods are complied with; (iii) The goods are imported by a licensed manufacturer or licensed supplier, into a storage (OS) or manufacturing warehouse (VMP or VP); (iv) The goods are removed by such licensee or licensed remover as contemplated in Rule 64D of the Act; and (b) Fully denatured ethyl alcohol complies with the provisions of Note 4(c) to Section D of Part 1 to Schedule No.6 of the Act. The application was lodged by Arengo 316 (Pty) Ltd, whose stated reason for the application was that the company was in the process of developing distillation plants that would use non-mineral based and locally produced feedstock to manufacture bio-ethanol which will be sold to South African fuel producers. Accordingly, the creation of this rebate will enable the fuel industry to have a secured and constant supply of bio-ethanol. Comment is due by 15 April 2010. Donated Goods – New Application Forms Comment in respect of a notice that appeared in relation to a request for comment on the proposed new application forms, guidelines, rules and conditions pertaining to Rebate Items 405.04/00.00/04.00 405.04/00.00/05.00 and 405.04/00.00/06.00 for donated goods is due by 15 April 2011. The Rebate Items make provision for donated goods to be imported customs dutyfree for free distribution to the destitute or for personal use by the organisation. The application was lodged by Itac. Deciduous Fruit Industry Measures On 18 February 2011 a notice appeared in respect of the application for the continuation of statutory measures in the deciduous fruit industry. The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries received a request from Hotgro Services, on behalf of the SA Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPPA) and the SA Stone Fruit Producers Association (Saspa), for the continuation of statutory measures on pome fruit (apples and pears) and stone fruit (plums, peaches/nectarines and apricots) in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act. Comment is due by 11 March 2011. Transnet Fuel Pipeline Comment in respect of the proposed rebate of the customs duty on goods entered for home consumption before 31 December 2012, in such times and conditions as Itac may allow by specific permit, for the installation of fuel pipeline systems used by pipeline operators registered in South Africa to distribute fuel, is due by 11 March 2011.
