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 Tariff & Trade Intelligence. E.mail: riaan@tariffandtrade.co.za The dti Consumer Law Conference The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has invited all interested parties to attend its Consumer Law Conference, which it is hosting from March 13-14, 2 008 at Emperors Palace, Gauteng. According to the dti, the Consumer Protection Bill will have a vast legal impact on what is generally perceived as ‘fair trade’ by business and the South African consumer. All interested parties should confirm their attendance by registering before March 4, 2 008. Second-Hand Goods Bill The Second-Hand Goods Bill was released during the course of the week. The Bill serves to regulate the business of dealers in secondhand goods and pawn-brokers in order to limit trade in stolen goods. In addition, it is intended to promote ethical standards in the second-hand goods trade and to provide for matters connected to it. Tariff Applications – Response Due The reduction in the rate of customs duty on preparations containing by mass 85 per cent or more of methionine from an rate of customs duty of 2 0% ad valorem to free of duty. All interested parties have until 03 April 2 008 to submit their comments. Note: This is a non comprehensive statement of the law. No liability can be accepted for errors and omissions.
