Trade Remedy Duty Corrected Sars has announced the correction of the anti-dumping duty on ropes and cables of iron or steel, not electrically insulate, of a diameter exceeding 8 mm (excluding that of wire of stainless steel, wire plated, coated or clad with copper and identifiable as conveyor belt cord) excluding that imported from Bridon International Gmbh and Pfeifer Drako). Withdrawal of Anti-Dumping Notice – Tall Oil Fatty Acid In a Government Gazette notice dated 25 March 2009, the International Trade Administration of South Africa (Itac) announced the withdrawal of its notice dated 20 March 2009. The notice of 20 March 2009 relates to Itac’s finalisation of its investigation into the alleged dumping of tall oil fatty acid, which originated in or was imported from Sweden. This is the first instance of which I am aware where Itac has withdrawn a notice at this stage of an investigation. The reason for its decision is unknown. Once we have more information, we will let you know. Also of interest is the fact that the South African Revenue Service (Sars) published no notice in the Government Gazette of 20 March 2009 announcing the imposition of final anti-dumping duties on tall oil fatty acid, originating in or imported from Sweden. Safeguard Duties on Lysine Substituted Sars has announced the substitution of safeguard duties on feed supplements containing by mass 40% or more lysine, whether or not containing added antibiotics or added melengestrol acetate. Security Policy – Reduction in Security Sars issued a letter dated 02 March 2009: Securities – Review of Risk Associated with Reduction in Security. According to Sars, its Security Policy makes provision for customs to reduce security from the standard amount. Sars noted that companies were finding it more and more difficult to fulfil their financial obligations and hence there appeared to be a greater frequency of Customs clients going into liquidation as well as defaulting on their deferment schemes. Sars offices have therefore been advised to re-evaluate the security amounts where deemed necessary. Sars reiterates in its letter that security amounts on bonds lodged will not be summarily increased and that Sars offices will apply their minds on the levels of reduction previously afforded and establish if such levels are relevant to the compliance levels of the client. Correction Notice of Check Digits Sars has announced the correction of a number of check digits relating to feed supplements. Competition Commission – SAA Exemption The Competition Commission has announced the receipt of an Application for Exemption from South African Airways. SAA’s application is in respect of a new joint Star Alliance product called the Meeting Plus Programme. The product is similar to two other Star Alliance products called the Convention Plus and the Corporate Plus Programmes. All interested parties are invited to submit their written comments to the Commission by 28 April 2009. National Agricultural Marketing Council The term of office of the five members of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) is set to expire on 30 June 2009. Nominations for members to serve for a period not exceeding four years are invited by no later than 03 April 2009.
