Research into Origins of South African Customs Of all the questions that we receive on a weekly basis, without fail at least one relates to the origins of customs duty (duty) and excise duty in South Africa. It is however one of those questions to which we cannot respond in as much detail as we would like to. Our investigations have so far yielded little of substance and we would therefore appreciate any information you can provide – whether in the form of a first hand account or books and other reference materials. Duty on Sugar Increased – 13 February 2009 The general, the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) European Union (EU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the rates of duty on cane sugar; beet sugar; sugar containing added flavouring or colouring matter; and other sugar are increased from free of duty to 6c/kg. Steel Rope Trade Remedy Duties – 13 February 2009 Anti-dumping and countervailing duties were imposed and withdrawn on stranded wire, ropes and cables, of iron or steel originating in or imported from The People’s Republic of China (China), Germany, Korea (South) and the United Kingdom. The notice of imposition and withdrawal is far too detailed to be reproduced in this column, being over five pages in length. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the notice, please send an email and a copy of the notice will be forwarded to you. Rule Amendments and Taxation Proposals In the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech of 11 February 2009, certain amendments to the Rules to Customs and Excise Act were published, as well as the Taxation Proposals. The amendments to the Rules (DA/46) relate to the amendment of Section 19, 19A and 20 which were published on 09 February 2009 and entered into force on that day. For ease of reference the respective Section titles are: Section 19: Customs and excise warehouses; Section 19A: Special Provision in respect of Customs and Excise Warehouses in which Excisable or Fuel Levy Goods are Manufactured or Stored; and Section 20: Goods in Customs & Excise Warehouses. Fertilisers and Animal Feeds – Amendment The Department of Agriculture published “Regulations Relating to the Registration of Fertilisers, Farms Feeds, Agricultural Remedies, Stock Remedies, Sterilising Plants and Pest Control Operators, Appeals and Imports: Amendment”.
