Graphite Electrodes Dumping The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) on 28 March 2014 announced the termination of the investigation into the alleged dumping of graphite electrodes for use in furnaces originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China and India, pursuant to Notice No.1128 of 2013 in Government Gazette No.37037. It should be Notice No.1130 of 22 November 2013. (Notice 236 of 2014). The application was lodged by GrafTech South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the sole manufacturer of the product in the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu). On 06 February 2014 Itac received a letter from GrafTech informing of its decision to cease its operations, requesting that the antidumping investigation be terminated. This explains the tariff application of 20 March 2014 for the proposed reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on graphite electrodes on which comment is due by 17 April 2014. Tariff Amendments – 28 March 2014 The South African Revenue Service (Sars) on 28 March 2014 announced the following tariff amendments, effective on 02 April 2014, which were announced by the Minister in his 2014 Budget Review on 26 February 2014. Schedule No. 6 Part 3 to the Customs and Excise Act (Act), the implementation of the adjusted diesel concessions. The amendments relate to the substitution of Noted 6(b)(i), 6(b)(ii)(gg), 6(b)(ii)(bb), 6(b) (iv) and 6(b)(v). Schedule No.1 Part 5B to the Act, the increase in the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy on both petrol and diesel from 96c/litre to 104c/litre. (GG 37462, R.196) Schedule No.1 Part 5A to the Act, the increase in the rate of fuel levy from 212.5c/litre to 224.5c/litre and 197.5c/litre to 209.5c/ litre on petrol and diesel respectively. The rate of fuel levy on biodiesel as specified in Additional Note 1(a) to Chapter 38 is 104.75c/litre. (GG 37462, R.195) Import Chicken Levy The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, announced that the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) had received a request, in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Product Act, from the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) for the establishment of statutory measures relating to levies, registration, the keeping of records and rendering of returns. Comments are due on or before 11 April 2014. DBGR VAT Rulings In recent weeks there has been a proliferation of Draft Binding General Rulings (DBGR) on the Value-added Tax (VAT) treatment issued by Sars. This week more were issued for supply of imported herbs, transport services and ancillary transport services, and the “Master Currency case”. Duty Calls Watch List Comment is due on: DBGR on the VAT treatment of the supply and importation of frozen potato products by 15 May 2014. DBGR on the VAT treatment of the supply and importation of fruit and vegetables by 15 May 2014. The proposed reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on stranded wire, or wire which is plated, coated, or clad with brass by 17 April 2014. Protection of European Union Geographical Indications for wines and spirits by 06 April 2014.
