Tariff application Did you know that the South African tariff dispensation remains unaltered, unless it is subject to application? Have you ever lodged an application for the decrease, the increase in the rate of customs duty, or the creation of a manufacturing rebate? This process is much simpler than you may think. Ever been tempted to attempt it? Tariff assessment Tariff applications (increase, reduction and rebate) are formally initiated through publication in the Government Gazette. However, in certain instances the government could initiate consultations with companies on receipt of a tariff application in what is considered a tariff assessment. If you are ever contacted by government and requested to provide comments on a tariff application it is wise to determine whether it is a formal application or a tariff assessment. Customs Tariff 2015 On 10 September 2014 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) published the draft customs tariff phasedowns for 2015 in terms of Schedule No 1 Part 1 to the Customs and Excise Act (ordinary customs duty) and proposed amendments to Schedule No 2 to the Act (trade remedies – anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties and safeguards), to Schedule No 3 to the Act ( industrial rebates of customs duties) and to Schedule No 4 to the Act (general rebates of customs duties, fuel levy and environmental levy) on which comment is due by 08 October 2014. The proposed amendments to Schedules No 1 and 4 to the Act to be introduced on 01 January 2015, Schedule No 2 on 01 February 2015 and Schedule No 3 with retrospective effect from 07 December 2012. Export-readiness training The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has extended an invitation to exporters to its “Introduction to Exporting Training” sessions which aim to prepare small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the successful expansion of their businesses into international markets. The four-day sessions form part of the dti’s Export Development Programme and are the next step in the export-readiness process, following on from the Export Awareness workshops. Chicken meat levy On 12 September 2014 the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) invited comments by 19 September 2014 on the establishment of statutory measures relating to levies, registration and records and returns on imported chicken products. Waste and scrap metal The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) on 12 September 2014 advised, in terms of Export Control, of the Amended Export Control Guidelines on the Exportation of Ferrous and Non- Ferrous Waste and Scrap. Duty Calls Watch List Comment on the alleged dumping of port land cement from Pakistan is due by 02 October 2014, on the draft rules of the Customs Control Act, 2014 by 26 September 2014 and on the caustic soda rebate item by 19 September 2014.
