Duty calls

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 Memorandum of Understanding with China The insertion of Part 5 to Schedule No.10 i.e. “Trade Agreements”, in the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, which is a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on promoting trade and economic cooperation. The import of 31 tariff lines from the People’s Republic of China (China) as listed as an Annexure to the Memorandum of Understanding will be administered in accordance with the volumes specified in the Annexure. The Annexure will take effect on 28 September 2006. South Africa will administer the import of the products, and will also have to develop and implement a system of administration. In addition the Memorandum of Understanding requires that South Africa provide actual monthly import statistics of the 31 tariff lines.
No Tariff Amendments –
8 September 2006 Tariff Applications – Response Due Reduction in the rate of customs duty (duty) on preparations containing rectopamine from 20% ad valorem to free of duty by the creation of a new 8-digit tariff subheading. Reduction in the rate of duty on twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics, of jute or other textile bast fibres. Extension of the Rebate Item in respect of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section of iron or non-alloy steel for the manufacture of refrigerators and freezers. Reduction in the rate of duty on other AC electric motors, single-phase. Response due by
20 October 2006. No Trade Remedy Amendments –
8 September 2006 Draft Rule Amendments – No Response Due No Rule Amendments –
8 September 2006