A weekly summary of the main changes to the South African tariff dispensation and amendments to customs and excise legislation. Compiled by Riaan de Lange. E-mail: riaan@importsolutions.co.za Import Permits for Used Overcoats The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has invited interested parties to submit proposals in respect of the requirements for the importation of used overcoats, in terms of rebate item 460.11/60.00.01.04. The intention of the notice is to determine the annual import quotas. The information required is detailed in a questionnaire of five pages, and categorised into either that of a manufacturer, importer, and potential new importer. Response due by 11 November 2005. No rule amendments – 7 October 2005 No tariff amendments – 7 October 2005 Tariff applications – response due Amendment of the description of tariff subheading 8708.99.40 and a review of the existing rate of customs duty (duty) for track link assemblies with or without shoes; track pins and bushes, and parts thereof. Comment due by 28 October 2005. Review of the description and rate of duty on track link assemblies, with our without shoes; track pins and bushes, and parts thereof for shock absorbers. Comment due by 14 October 2005. Note: This is a non comprehensive statement of the law. No liability can be accepted for errors and omissions. Wakeford agrees to withdraw resignation LEONARD NEILL KEVIN WAKEFORD'S resignation from his position as chief executive of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been rescinded after a special meeting last Thursday between the ECDC board and a cabinet sub-committee set up by Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela. At the same time government and officials in various departments have called on the board and Wakeford to put aside any differences that they may have and to concentrate on the economic development of the province. "The purpose of the meeting was to convey to the board the wish of the premier that Wakeford's resignation should be withdrawn. This request has received a favourable response from the board," says Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo, who headed the sub-committee. Balindlela had called Wakeford to an urgent meeting after learning of his resignation, and requested he withdraw it. She said she was satisfied he had done a good job, and had received reports from both industry and members of the public to this effect. Wakeford agreed at the time to withdraw 'in principle', but stressed that the matter had to be agreed on at board level, because they had accepted his resignation. ANC provincial secretary Mahlubandile Qwase and Cosatu provincial secretary Xola Phakati both stated afterwards that the decision had been welcomed by their organisations, as it would assist in bringing stability to the province after the unsettling situation of the past year after the previous ECDC board was fired.
