Sacu/India Preferential Trade Access Negotiation If you are currently trading with India, or considering entering that market, it’s worth noting that the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) and India are currently negotiating a Preferential Trade Access Agreement. As part of the process of negotiation the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has undertaken a review of products that could form part of the negotiations. Two product lists have been prepared. Based on its analysis the dti believes that it would now be useful to prioritise a smaller list of products for these negotiations. All interested parties are invited to comment by 21 July 2008. TNPA & SAPS Sign Memo of Understanding In the Government Gazette of July 4, 2008 Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) published for general information the “Memorandum of Understanding Between Transnet National Ports Authority and the South African Police Services Entered into in terms of Section 13 of the National Ports Act, No.12 of 2005”. The objectives of the MoU are to: • Ensure the effective deployment of SAPS personnel at all South African sea ports; • Integrate SAPS and TNPA roles that will result in safe and secure sea ports in South Africa; • Ensure the joint implementation of an optimised policing and security strategy at the South African sea ports; • Co-ordinate the performance and minimise the duplication of functions between the SAPS and TNPA personnel in the sea ports; and • Enhance commercial operations of the South African seaports. Anti-dumping Duties on Paper Withdrawn In the third decision of its kind in so many weeks, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has announced the “Decision by the Commission to Rescind its Decision to Initiate a Sunset Review of the Anti-Dumping Duties on White Uncoated Woodfree A4 Paper Originating in or Imported from Brazil and Indonesia”. The anti-dumping duties on these products imported from or originating in Brazil and Indonesia, can now be reclaimed with retrospective effect to 27 November 2003. Possible Anti-dumping Review An invitation has been extended to the manufacturers of stainless steel tubes and pipes, originating in or imported from Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Malaysia, and Korea (South), to submit comments and motivation in respect of the extension of the antidumping duties. These duties were imposed on 16 July 2004 and are due to expire on 15 July 2009. Response due by 20 July 2008.
