The Authorised Economic Operator The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has indicated that it is considering the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), devised by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), within the next two years. The general understanding of the concept is that an AEO can benefit from the simplifications provided under the customs rules, such as authorised consignor, centralised customs clearance and guarantee waiver as well as the facilitation of customs controls relating to safety and security. Adjustment in the Rate of Customs Duty – Final Notification The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has proposed the adjustment of certain tariff subheadings from the present applied rate of customs duty (duty) to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) bound rate of duty. Essentially the bound rates of duty are the highest rates of duty that South Africa and SACU can impose on imported products. According to the applicant, the dti, in terms of South Africa’s and Southern African Customs Union (SACU) WTO obligations and in view of the preparatory work for South Africa’s engagement in Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations, it is imperative that South Africa complies with the provisions of our multilateral trade agreements. Response due 10 November 2006. No Tariff Amendments – 03 November 2006 Tariff Applications – Response Due The proposed rebate of the customs duty (duty) on tubes, pipes and hoses of vulcanised rubber (excluding hard rubber), without fittings for the manufacture of air-conditioning systems identifiable for use solely or principally with motor vehicles. The proposed withdrawal of the Rebate Item which reads “tubes and pipes, of vulcanized rubber, reinforced or combined with other materials (excluding metal or textile materials), without fittings, for the manufacture of blower and ram type heaters, ventilation units and air-conditioning systems, identifiable for use solely or principally with motor vehicles with water cooled engines”. Response due 24 November 2006. The increase in the rate of customs duty on non-woven fabric of man-made filaments whether or not impregnated, coated or covered or laminated with plastics from 10% ad valorem to 20% ad valorem. The proposed amendment of the description of clothing and textile rebate items. The proposed reduction in the rate of customs duty on babies’ booties from 30% ad valorem or 500c/2u to free of customs duty. Response due by 17 November 2006. No Trade Remedy Amendments – 03 November 2006 Trade Remedy Applications – No Response Due No Rule Amendments – 03 November 2006
