Your Assistance Please I would appreciate your thoughts on the following question: “What is the intention of the imposition of an ordinary customs duty? Is it to collect revenue (tax) or is it to serve a protective purpose (to protect the domestic industry)? Please let me know your thoughts and your reasoning for it. Please send an email to riaan@tariffandtrade.co.za Draft Cites Regulations In a Government Gazette dated 28 August 2009 the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism published the Draft Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) Regulations for public comment. It deals with, amongst other issues, “import” and “export”. Written response due by 28 September 2009. Tariff Application – Plugs, Sockets & Inserts An investigation was initiated in respect of the rebate of the customs duty on plugs (including plug inserts) and sockets for the manufacture of insulated electric cables fitted with connectors, for a voltage not exceeding 250V. APEX Cord Set Technologies, which stated that there were no local manufacturers of international type plug inserts and connectors, lodged the application. Written response due by 16 October 2009. Ports Regulator – Regulatory Principles In a 60-page Government Gazette notice dated 06 August 2009 the Department of Transport published the Ports Regulator – Regulatory Principles. Correction Notice - Trade Remedy Application Following the initiation of the Sunset Review of the antidumping duties on clear drawn and float glass originating in or imported from the People's Republic of China (China) and India, a correction notice was published. The application was lodged by PFG Building Glass (Pty) Ltd, the sole manufacturer of the product under investigation in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Written response due by 11 October 2009. Taxation Laws – Second Amendment Bill The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has released the Publication of the Explanatory Summary of the Taxation Laws – Second Amendment Bill, 2009. According to the notice the Minister of Finance intends to introduce the Bill in the National Assembly in September 2009. The amendment of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 is intended (i) to amend provisions empowering the withdrawal or amendment of a decision or notice or communication; (ii) to amend provisions regulating the removal in bond of goods; (iii) to amend provisions regulating to the exportation of goods from a customs and excise warehouse; (iv) to insert special provisions regarding the storage and clearance of stores, spares and equipment supplied to foreigngoing ships and aircraft; (v) to insert a provision specifying circumstances in which goods free of duty may be entered under a rebate of Schedule No.4; (vi) to amend provisions under which a penalty may be mitigated or remitted; (vii) to amend provisions regulating payment of outstanding amounts and interest; and (viii) to insert a provision empowering the making of rules for the purposes of modernising customs administration and to effect textual and consequential amendments. The Diamond Export Levy (Administration) Act, 2007 is intended (i) to amend a timeperiod; (ii) to amend refunds; and (iii) to amend the calculation of interest and to effect textual and consequential amendments. The Diamond Export Levy Act, 2007, is intended to clarify an existing provision.
