Tariff Amendments – 12 September 2008 The Southern African Development Community (SADC) rates of customs duty (duty) on abalone have been reduced from 5,5c/kg to free of duty. The amendment is imposed with retrospective effect from 01 January 2008. Amendment of the tariff dispensation in respect of float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked, other nonwired glass. The amendments include the insertion, as well as the substitution of tariff subheadings. The rates of duty in respect of the products are all 10% ad valorem for the General or MFN rate of duty; free for the European Union (EU); free for the European Free Trade Area (EFTA); and free for the SADC. Tariff Applications – Treat with Caution The following tariff applications closed for comment on 12 September 2008. If you import such products you should prepare for possible future amendments to the tariff dispensation. The amendment of the rebate of the duty on television sets, the deletion and substitution of tariff subheadings. The increase in the dollar-based reference price for sugar; and The temporary rebate of the full duty and temporary rebate of the full duty less 20% on canned pineapples under a permit system. Trade Remedy Application - Treat with Caution If you import the following products, be advised that a possible amendment to the tariff dispensation is a distinct possibility. A recommendation to the Minister of Trade and Industry is under consideration to make imports of L-Lysine HCI, commonly known as lysine powder and feed supplements by mass 40% or more lysine, whether or not containing added antibiotics or added melengestrol acetate, commonly known as L-Lysine sulphate and its by-products from fermentation, or Biolys or Protein Lysine from Indonesia subject to a safeguard duty. Clothing & Textile Request for Proposal A request for Proposal (RFP) for the “Assessment of the Effectiveness of Clothing and Textile Import Quotas from the People’s Republic of China”, has been issued. The purpose of the proposed study is to determine the effectiveness or otherwise of the import quotas imposed on textile and clothing products originating in the People’s Republic of China, and to propose appropriate recommendations. The import quotas were imposed on 01 January 2007 and are due to be terminated on 31 December 2008.
