Increase in Rate of Duty The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) on 20 June 2014 invited written comment on the proposed increase in the “General” rate of customs duty on helical springs classifiable under tariff subheading 7320.20 from 5% ad valorem to 30% ad valorem, by way of creating an additional 8-digit tariff subheading for: “Helical springs with a wire diameter of more than 1.32mm but not exceeding 2.43mm”. Comment is due by 18 July 2014. Dumping Lapse On 20 July 2014 Itac notified all interested parties that unless a duly substantiated request is made by or on behalf of the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) industry indicating that the expiry of the antidumping duty would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury, the following anti-dumping duties will expire during 2015: (i) garlic imported from the People’s Republic of China (China) [25 March 2015]; (ii) float and flat glass imported from China [25 March 2015]; (iii) polyester staple fibre imported from China [27 March 2015]; and (iv) float and flat glass from India [25 March 2015]. Sacu manufacturers of the products who wish to comment need to do so not later than 28 July 2014. Dumping Amendment The South African Revenue Service (Sars) on 20 June 2014 announced the technical correction to the structure of Schedule No 2 Part 1 to the Customs and Excise Act – dumping – to ensure alignment with industries in accordance with the Sections of the Harmonised System of Tariff Classification. The header vegetable products under item 205.00, corrected to 202.00. The correction is effective from 19 June 2014. Another result of the amendment is that the check digits (CD) have changed. APDP Regulations On 20 June 2014 the Minister of Economic Development, through a Government Gazette notice, announced the amendment of Section 8 of the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) Regulations through the addition of Section 8.2 and Section 18. Regulation 8: 8. Who may apply for a Production Rebate Credit Certificate (PRCC): 8.1 Final manufacturers based in South Africa who are registered with Sars as taxpayers may apply for a PRCC. 8.2 Motor vehicle manufacturers registered in terms of Section 18.1. Regulation 18: 18. Entities qualifying for Company Specific Percentage (CSP). 18.1 Motor vehicle manufacturers with a plant capacity of 50 000 units per annum may submit applications to Itac for registration as a specified motor vehicle manufacturer, unless otherwise determined by the Minister. Draft Rules – Customs Control Act Sars on 17 June 2014 published draft Customs Control Rules for Chapters 1 and 3 to 10 of the proposed Customs Control Act (currently Customs Control Bill B45B of 2013). Comments must be submitted by no later than 29 July 2014. LPG Market Inquiry The Competition Commission, through a Government Gazette notice on 20 June 2014, announced its market inquiry into the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector.
