State of the Nation Address Late last week Parliament issued its 72-page “Our Parliament Pocket Guide”. In Chapter 6 “Signature Annual Events” it identifies three events (i) “State of the Nation Address”; (ii) “The Budget Speech”; and (iii) “The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement”. Customs – Percentage of National Revenue In last week’s issue we posed the question, just how significant or insignificant are South Africa’s customs duties when expressed as a percentage of our annual national revenue? The percentage fluctuates between 3% and 4%. Division of Revenue Bill, 2010 – Publication Remember that on 17 February 2010 the Minister of Finance will, in the National Assembly, table the Division of Revenue Bill, 2010. A copy of the Bill will be made available on the day. Cotton – Comment Due Comment in respect of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) notice titled “Request for the Continuation of Statutory Measures Related to Registration and Provision of Records and Returns for Cotton”, in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, is due by 12 February 2010. Cotton Lint – Comment Due Comment in respect of the NAMC’s notice titled Request for an “Amendment to the Statutory Levy Payable on Cotton Lint” is due by 12 February 2010. Lucerne Industry – Comment Due Comment in respect of the NAMC’s notice titled “Request for the Continuation of Statutory Measures in the Lucerne Industry” is due by 12 February 2010. Tariff Applications – Comment Due The proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on calcium propionate classifiable under tariff sub-heading from free of customs duty to 15% ad valorem. The proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on (i) lysine and its esters; salts thereof from free of customs duty to 15% ad valorem; and (ii) feed supplements, containing by mass, 40% or more lysine, whether or not containing added antibiotics or added melengestrol acetate from free of customs duty to 10% ad valorem. The proposed creation of a rebate provision for woven fabrics containing 85% or more by mass of polyester filaments for use in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. The proposed review of the dispensation for used overcoats, car-coats, raincoats, anoraks, skijackets, duffle-coats, mantles, parkas and similar clothing articles (excluding wind jackets and windcheaters) in bales not containing other clothing articles, in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration of South Africa (Itac) may allow by specific permit. Comment is due by 26 February 2010.
