Imposition of a Scrap Metal Export Duty It is understood that the Government and the South African metals sector has, in principle, agreed to impose an export duty on ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal. The intention of the export duty, which is provided for within the Customs and Excise Act, is to restrict the exportation of such scrap metal and to increase domestic supply. It should also be borne in mind that scrap metal is an input which is used in the production of metal products. The details regarding the export duty are being developed and designed by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and National Treasury. There are presently no export duties in place, although you will recall that in an earlier issue we reported that an export levy for diamond exports had been published for comment. Could this be the start of the imposition and use of a new ‘protective measure’? The Imposition of a Diamond Export Levy Talking about the diamond export levy, in a Government Gazette dated 13 October 2008, the Minister of Finance announced that in terms of the Diamond Export Levy Act and the Diamond Export Levy (Administration) Act, 01 November 2008 will be the date on which the Acts will come into operation. ITAC Celebrates five years At a gala dinner on 16 October, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) celebrated its fifth year of existence. Itac started operating on 01 June 2003, following the publication of enabling legislation on 22 January 2003 and the introduction of certain articles of the International Trade Administration Act on 21 February 2003. The festivities included an address by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, and the Chief Commissioner, Siyabulela Tsengiwe. As part of the evening’s events, a video presentation was shown that featured the chief commissioner and senior members of the management team. Export Control – Fuels and Chemicals The Minister of Trade and Industry has announced the amendment of the Export Control Regulations. This amends an earlier Government Gazette notice. The amendments relate to: • The addition of aviation kersonene, as defined in Additional Note 1(D) of Schedule 1; • The addition of propane; • The substitution of N-Acetylanthranilic acid in Schedule 3, and • The substitution Dichlorodifiluropropanes. Schedule 2
