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 of South African Tariff & Trade Solutions. E-mail: riaan@importsolutions.co.za Import Control – Used and Second-Hand Musical Instruments The import control regulations have been amended to account for the importation of used and second-hand goods. Tariff Amendments – 21 July 2006 The general rate of customs duty (duty) and the European Union (EU) rate of duty on certain paper and paperboard products have been reduced and equalised, whilst certain manufacturing rebate provisions have been withdrawn as they have become superfluous. Tariff Applications – Response Due The proposed creation of a manufacturing rebate for soya beans, for extraction of soya bean oil, to be used by the registrant in the production of biodiesel. Response due by 18 August 2006. The proposed reduction in the rate of duty on single-phase fractional horsepower electric motors. The proposed reduction in the rate of duty on threaded bungs and flange gaskets packed in sets for steel drums, whether or not presented with bung covers. Response due by 11 August 2006. Tariff Applications – Response Closed The proposed reduction in the rate of duty on tenoforvir disproxil fumarate (anti-retroviral active ingredient) from 10% ad valorem to free of duty. The proposed amendment of the rebate item, for the importation of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for the manufacture of uncoated paper and paperboard, toilet or facial tissue stock, towel or napkin stock and similar paper of a kind used for household sanitary purposes, and paper and paperboard, coated on both sides with kaolin (China clay). Response due by 21 July 2006. No Trade Remedy Amendments – 21 July 2006 Trade Remedy Applications – Response Due The initiation of an investigation into the alleged dumping of white self-copy paper originating in or exported from the United States of America. Response due by 14 August 2006. Draft Rule Amendments – No Response Due No Rule Amendments – 21 July 2006
