Chicken Anti-dumping Duties On 04 July 2014 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) imposed provisional payments (anti-dumping duties) on frozen bone-in portions of fowl of the species gallus domesticus, classifiable under tariff subheading 0207.14.90, originating in or imported from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK). A draft Government Gazette notice was first published, but subsequently replaced with a final notice. The provisional payments are 22.03%, 22.81%, 31.30% and 73.33% dependent on the country of origin and the company of origin. All interested parties now have 14 days to respond to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) report that details the reasoning for the imposition of the provisional payments. Fluorescent Lamp Rebate Sars on 04 July 2014 announced the creation of Rebate Item 316.08/8504.10/01.06 for electronic ballasts for the manufacture of fluorescent discharge lamps (excluding ultra-violet lamps) of tariff subheading 8539.31.90, with a power rating of 5W or more but not exceeding 23W. The extent of the rebate is the full customs duty. Wine Rebate Amendment On 04 July 2014 Sars announced the amendment of Rebate Items 620.01, 620.02, 620.04, 620.05, 620.07, 620.08, 620.11 and 620.19; the substitution of Tariff Items 104.15.03/2204.21.41, 104.15.07/2204.29.41, 104.06.03/2205.10.21 and 104.16.09/2205.90.21; and the substitution of tariff subheadings 2204.21.41, 2204.29.41, 2205.10.21 and 2205.90.21 to lower the alcoholic strength of wine from 6.5% by volume to 4.5% by volume. Dube Trade Port IDZ On 01 July, the Minister of Trade and Industry, by virtue of the powers vested in him by the Manufacturing Development Act and Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) Regulation, designated portions of the farm La Mercy Airport 15124, owned by the Dube Trade Port Corporation, as an IDZ and granted an Operator Permit to the Dube Trade Port Corporation. AIS and P-AIS Approved On 02 July 2014 it was announced that the Minister of Trade and Industry had approved the newly revised guidelines for the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS) and the People-carrier Automotive Investment Scheme (P-AIS). The guidelines are the result of consultative engagements which the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) held with stakeholders in the automotive sector. According to the dti, the P-AIS, a sub-component of the AIS, has to date approved two applications both of which were Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The total incentive approved is R26.1 million and a total of 191 jobs have been created in this sector. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment on the continuation of the anti-dumping duties on (i) garlic imported from China; (ii) float and flat glass imported from China; (iii) polyester staple fibre imported from China; and (iv) float and flat glass from India is due by 28 July 2014. Comment on the investigation into the alleged dumping of wheelbarrows, originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China is due by 28 July 2014. Comment on the proposed increase in the “General” rate of customs duty on helical springs is due by 18 July 2014.
