EU GSP Preferences On 25 April 2014 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) announced the insertion after the heading of Part 2 and before rule 46A2.01 of the following heading and rule: “46A2A Termination of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)”. On 31 December 2013 the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) granted by the European Union (EU) and for which these rules provide, ceased to apply. With effect from 01 January 2014, the EU will grant any GSP rates of duty that are more favourable than those under the Agreement on Trade, Development and Cooperation (TDCA) between the EU member states and South Africa on goods exported from South Africa under the TDCA if the goods have originating status in accordance with the TDCA. Dust Mask Rebate Provision Sars on 25 April 2014 announced the insertion of rebate items 311.14/3919.10.07/01.08 and 311.14/4016.99.90/01.08 to provide for rebates on polyurethane flat shapes with dimensions not exceeding 50mm x 2mm x 10mm, self-adhesive on one side only, in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cm, and natural rubber straps with a length not exceeding 315mm and a width not exceeding 7mm, for use in the manufacture of dust masks classifiable in tariff subheading 6307.90.10. The extent of the rebate items is full duty and is effective on the day. The application took 455 days. Washing Detergents Provision On 25 April 2014 Sars announced the insertion of rebate item 306.06/3402.11.20/01.08 for methyl ester sulphate for the manufacture of washing preparations (detergents) classifiable in tariff heading 34.02. The extent of the rebate item is full duty and is effective on the day. The application took 189 days. Heat Exchange Units Tariff Sars on 25 April 2014 announced an increase in the “General” rate of customs duty on heat exchange units, classifiable in tariff heading 8419.50, from “free” to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) bound rate of 15% ad valorem. The application took 245 days. Customs and Excise Tax Training From 08-10 May 2014 the Department of Taxation at the University of Pretoria (UP) is presenting a course in customs and excise taxes. The course is aimed at individuals wanting to acquire a basic knowledge of customs and excise taxes and is considered part of the knowledge and skills components of the tax professional qualification. Regionalism Trend could Reverse On 23 April 2014 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) released a study that indicates that the trend towards increased regionalism could be reversed. A new attempt to envisage the world economy in 2035 shows that the share of trade within major regional trade agreements may decline. The paper also finds that a dynamic economic and open trade environment will be needed for new players to continue to emerge in the world economy for South-South trade to intensify and for countries to diversify into skill-intensive activities. Duty Calls Watch List Comment is due: On the proposed increase in the “General” rate of customs duty on wire of iron or non-alloy steel: plated or coated with other base metals (beadwire) by 15 May 2014.
