Tariff Application Correction Notice On 10 September 2010 a notice was published relating to the correction of an earlier notice for the proposed reduction in the rate of customs duty on glass ampoules, classifiable under tariff subheading 7010.10. The earlier notice described the product subject to the investigation as “medical glass ampoules” instead of simply “glass ampoules”. The current notice does not state the proposed reduction, which according to the earlier notice is from 10% ad valorem to free of customs duty. The application was lodged by Bodene (Pty) Ltd which reasoned that there were no local manufacturers who were able to manufacture glass ampoules in the South African Customs Union (Sacu). The Sacu member countries are Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland. Comment is due by 08 October 2010. Director of Civil Aviation Authority The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a national public entity established in terms of the Civil Aviation Act, has extended an invitation to any interested person to apply for the position of Director of the CAA. The objectives of the CAA are to (i) control and regulate civil aviation safety and security; (ii) oversee the implementation of and compliance with the National Aviation Security Programme; (iii) Oversee the implementation of and compliance with the National Aviation Security Programme; (iv) Oversee the functioning and development of the civil aviation industry; (v) promote civil aviation safety and security; (vi) develop any regulations that are required in terms of the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2009; and (vii) monitor and ensure compliance with the Act and the Convention. Closing date for submissions is 27 September 2010. Marine Fees Payable The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 has issued a notice in respect of the “Fees Payable in respect of Applications and the Issuing of Rights, Permits and Licences”. These fees are effective from 01 October 2010. Workshop Tariff Investigation Regulations On 08 September 2010 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) hosted its “Consultative Workshop on the Draft Amended Tariff Investigation Regulations and Questionnaires”. The workshop, which was very well attended, discussed the proposed amendments to Itac’s current Tariff Investigation Regulations and Questionnaires. If you are considering initiating any tariff amendments, namely (i) increase in the rate of customs duty, (ii) reduction in the rate of customs duty, or (iii) rebate of the customs duty on imported inputs, also known as a manufacturing rebate, you should take note of these questionnaires and their proposed amendment.
