EU GSP Comment The South African Revenue Service (Sars) on 21 February 2014 published notes on the revised European Union (EU) Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), which excludes South Africa from the preferential tariff treatments thereunder, and the alternative arrangements effective from 01 January 2014. On 19 February 2014 Sars published draft Customs and Excise Rules pertaining to the termination of the EU GSP for comment due by 05 March 2014 Vitreous Enamels Tariff The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) on 21 February 2014 published the proposed increase in the rate of customs duty on vitreous enamels, classifiable under tariff subheading 3207.20, from free of duty to 10% ad valorem by the creation of an additional 8-digit tariff subheading namely 3207.20. XX -- Vitrifiable enamels and similar preparations; and -- Vitrifiable glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations. The application was lodged by Ferro Industrial Products (Pty) Ltd who argued that it was experiencing increasing competition from imports, predominantly from Turkey, and that these imports landed at prices far below the local prices and in some cases below international prices. The applicant believed that it was running a real risk of industry closure because of continuous loss in market share. As the sole producer of vitreous enamels locally, the market will be forced to import their enamel requirements. Comment is due by 21 March 2014 (Human Rights Day). Coated Paper Dumping On 21 February 2014 Itac published the final determination in the investigation into the alleged dumping of coated paper, classifiable under tariff heading 48.10, originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China (China) and the Republic of Korea. The application was lodged by Sappi Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, initiated on 25 January 2013, and on 27 September 2013 provisional anti-dumping measures were imposed. Following comment received on the provisional determination, Itac told the Minister of Trade and Industry that the product was not being dumped onto the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The Minister approved Itac’s recommendation. Gypsum Plasterboard Dumping Itac on 21 February 2014 published a notice of the initiation of a Sunset Review of the anti-dumping duties on gypsum plasterboard, classifiable under tariff subheading 6809.11, originating in or imported from Indonesia and Thailand. On 26 June 2013 Itac published for notice that unless a substantial request was made indicating that the expiry of the anti-dumping duties against imports of gypsum plasterboard was terminated that it would lead to the recurrence of dumping and material injury. On 19 September 2013 a response to the notice was received from Saint Gobain Constructions Product SA (Pty) Ltd, while a letter of support was received from the other manufacturer – Lafarge Gypsum South Africa. Comment is due by 31 March 2014. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment on the Sunset Review of the anti-dumping duties on wire ropes and cables and stranded wire is due by 10 March 2014 (or 24 March 2014). Comments in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act on EU graphical indications (GI) are due by 06 March 2014.
