Tariff Application – Paprika - Duty Rebate The proposed rebate of the full rate of customs duty (duty) on dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum for extraction of oleoresins of a kind used in the food industry, in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission may allow by specific permit, provided the Commission is satisfied that the subject fruits are not available in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region. The application was lodged by Papriex (Pty) Ltd who stated, as reason for the application, that sufficient quantities of the dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum, according to the required specifications, were not available in the SACU. Comment is due by 24 July 2009. Tariff Application – Clothing - Duty Increase The proposed increase in the rate of duty on 122 tariff subheadings of certain articles of apparel. The products in question relate to: jackets and blazers; trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; jackets and blazers; dresses; skirts and divided skirts; trousers, bibs and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; men’s or boy’s shirts, knitted or crocheted; women’s or girls’ blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses, knitted or crocheted; underpants and briefs; briefs and panties; t-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted; jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of wool or fine animal hair; babies’ garments and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted; track suits; other panty hose and tights; overcoats, raincoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks and similar articles;overcoats, raincoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks and similar articles; suits; jackets and blazers; trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; jackets and blazers; dresses; skirts and divided skirts; trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; men’s or boys’ shirts; women’s or girls’ blouses, shirts and shirtblouses; underpants and briefs; babies’ garments and clothing accessories; other garments, men’s or boys; of man-made fibers; of other textile materials; other garments, women’s or girls; of wool of fine animal hair; of other man-made fibres ; and of other textile materials The application was lodged by the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union who stated, as reasons for the application, that: (i) A significant increase in imports has taken and is taking place and/or very high levels of imports continue to flow into South Africa in these 35 product categories; (ii) Market disruptions to the SACU industry that have resulted in large-scale factory closures and retrenchments and the ensuing massive social hardship have been so severe that increased protection, in the form of higher duties, is needed; and (iii) The industry needs increased protection to assist it in its extensive efforts to restructure. Comment is due by 24 July 2009.
