Graphite Electrodes Tariff The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) on March 20 advised of its application for the proposed reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on graphite electrodes, classifiable under tariff subheading 8545.11, from 10% ad valorem to free of duty. Comment is due by 17 April 2014. Stranded Wire Tariff Itac has announced the proposed reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on stranded wire, or wire which is plated, coated, or clad with brass, classifiable under tariff subheading 7312.10.20, from 5% ad valorem to free of duty, through the creation of an additional 8-digit tariff subheading. Comment is due by 17 April 2014. The application was lodged by Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) Ltd. On 22 November 2013, Apollo South Africa (Pty) Ltd applied for the amendment of the customs duty structure on certain pneumatic tyres. The Institution of Legal Proceedings The South African Revenue Service (Sars) on 18 March 2014 published an information page on the institution of legal proceedings and the requirements in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 and the Tax Administration Act, 2011. Fruit and Vegetables VAT Sars on 19 March 2014 published a Draft Binding General Ruling (DBGR) on the Value-added Tax (VAT) treatment on the supply and importation of fruit and vegetables. Comment is due by 15 May 2014. Cabinet approves 6th IPAP At a post Cabinet briefing on 20 March 2014 it was announced that Cabinet had approved the 6th Annual Iterative Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) 2014/15- 2016/17 for implementation. The 5th iteration of IPAP was published in April 2013. Customs Client Base In 2013, 15.80% or 80 000 of the 506 206 registered import and export clients were active. Ever thought what the average export and import transaction value (rand) was? Including the BLNS (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland) countries’ merchandise trade it accounted for R1.92 trillion. Exports accounted for R925.96 billion and imports for R995.87 billion. The 40 000 exporters equate to an average export value (AEV) of R23.15 million and the 40 000 importers to an average import value (AIV) of R24.90 million. Accepting that 10% of exporters account for 80% of exports this equates to an AETV of R185.19 million, and 10% of importers account for 90% of imports an AITV of R224.07 million. The converse means that 80% of exporters equates to an AETV of R5.14 million and 90% of importers an AITV of R2.77 million. Duty Calls Watch List Comment is due on: DBGR on the VAT treatment of the supply and importation of various types of frozen potato products by 15 May 2014. Protection of European Union (EU) Geographical Indications (GIs) for wines and spirits by 06 April 2014. The Protection of Crucial Infrastructure Bill by 01 April 2014. Sunset Review of the antidumping duties on gypsum plasterboard originating in or imported from Indonesia and Thailand by 31 March 2014. Statements for a 13th payment will close on 27 March 2014 at 00:00, and payment by no later than 12:00 on 29 March 2014.
