Knowing your Products’ Tariff History One of the more frequent questions that we receive on a daily basis relates to the prevailing rate of customs duty. As with all things in life, there is a reason behind it that more often than not is a result of previous tariff investigations. And it is astounding how many people are not aware of the reasoning. If you are importing into South Africa or manufacturing a product in South Africa, surely you should know the history that contributed to the prevailing rate of customs duty? If you have not done this before, you should now make an effort to research it – and you need to start your investigation from 01 January 1988, the year in which the Harmonised System or HS-code was introduced in South Africa. If you’re interested visit www.tariffhistory.co.za. It could be an opportunity to consider the justification for the existence of the rate of customs duty. Appointment of ITAC Commissioners On 03 December 2008 a statement was issued by Cabinet following its meeting in which, amongst other things, it mentioned that the appointments of four commissioners to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) had been approved. Ms LB Mabaso has been appointed as the Itac Deputy Chief Commissioner. Part-time Commissioners – for a period of three years – are Mr R Mkhwanazi, Mr C Viljoen de Lange and Mr M Marokolo. Their appointments took effect from 01 March 2009. 13th Deferment Payment – Financial Year End The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has issued a reminder that the 13th payment is due in March. The 13th period closes on 22 March 2009 and statements must be collected on 23 March 2009. Payment must be settled by no later than 15:00 on 27 March 2009. Trade Remedy Amendments – 06 March 2009 The deletion of anti-dumping duties on boards, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles of plaster or of compositions based on plaster, faced or reinforced with paper or paperboard only, not ornamented, manufactured by the Siam Gypsum Industry Co Ltd (SGI) and PT Petrojaya Boral Plasterboard (PJBP). The imposition of antidumping duties on boards, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles of plaster or of compositions based on plaster, faced or reinforced with paper or paperboard only, not ornamented imported from or originating in Thailand. The imposition of antidumping duties on boards, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles of plaster or of compositions based on plaster, faced or reinforced with paper or paperboard only, not ornamented imported from or originating in Indonesia. Tariff Amendments – 06 March 2009 A rebate provision is created for textured filament yarn of polyester, measuring per single yarn 75 dtex or more but not exceeding 650 dtex and having a tenacity not exceeding 45cN/tex, at such times, in such quantities and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission may allow by specific permit for the manufacture of textiles and textile articles.
