Dual Remedies for Potato Chips On 08 August 2014 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) announced the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged dumping of frozen potato chips, classifiable under tariff subheading 2004.10.20, originating in or imported from Belgium and The Netherlands. On 25 July 2014 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) imposed a safeguard on frozen potato chips, which is due remain in force for a period of two years. In the antidumping investigation Itac recommended to the Minister of Trade and Industry that he impose definitive anti-dumping duties. The Minister decided to suspend the imposition of the antidumping duties until the termination of the safeguard duty on frozen potato chips. We are not aware of a prior instance, domestic or international, of the application of back-to-back trade remedies. Wire Ropes and Cables Sunset Review Sars on 08 August 2014 imposed anti-dumping duties on wire ropes and cables of a diameter exceeding 32mm, classifiable under tariff subheading 7312.10, originating in or imported from Germany and the United Kingdom, and on stranded wire of a diameter exceeding or equal to 12.7mm, classifiable under tariff subheading 7312.10, originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China. Customs Control Bill – 2nd Batch of Rules for Comment On 04 August 2014 Sars published what it calls “the second batch” of draft rules proposed under Chapters 11 to 20 and Chapter 24 of the Customs Control Act, 2014 (Act No. 31 of 2014). Comments are to be provided on a Comment Sheet template by no later than 26 September 2014. WTO Releases 2013 Trade Statistics The World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 05 August 2014 updated its Statistics Database, which now includes trade statistics for 2013 on global exports and imports of merchandise and on trade in commercial services. The statistics are available by country, region and commodity/service. Cheque Payment Limit – R50 000 On 08 August 2014 Sars announced the substitution of Rule 120.12 of the Customs and Excise Act which stipulates that no cheque payment in excess of R50 000, including any payment relating to valueadded tax, may be made on imported goods, unless the Commissioner for Sars directs otherwise. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment on the proposed increase in the “General” rate of customs duty is due by 15 August 2014: On (i) wire of iron or nonalloy steel: plated or coated with zinc; (ii) barbed wire of iron or steel; (iii) other grill, netting and fencing, welded at the intersection; and (iv) other cloth, grill, netting and fencing. On lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines. Customs and Excise Course From 01 to 03 October 2014 the University of Pretoria is presenting a course in customs and excise taxes.
