Don’t expect Notification In recent weeks the status of two trade remedy measures changed, yet no Government Gazette notices or any official notifications were issued. If you have missed this, what else are you missing? No more Countervailing Measures On 12 February 2014 the countervailing measures, also known as anti-subsidy measures, on stranded wire of iron or steel, classifiable under tariff subheading 7312.10.20, and ropes and cables of iron or steel, classifiable under tariff subheadings 7312.10.25, 7312.10.40 and 7312.10.90, imported from or originating in India expired. The rates of countervailing duties were 2.87% (7312.10.20) and 2.76%. The expiry is attributable to the fact that the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) did not initiate a Sunset Review investigation before the date, which it had to do. Only Anti-dumping Measures Remain Due to the expiry of the countervailing measures and the lapsing of the provisional safeguard measure on frozen potato chips at midnight on 20 January 2014, only antidumping measures remain. Duty Calls’ Watch List Comment on the Sunset Review of the anti-dumping duties on wire ropes and cables originating in or imported from the United Kingdom and Germany and on stranded wire originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China is due by 10 March 2014 (with extension to 24 March 2014). The anti-dumping measures on gypsum plaster board originating in or imported from Indonesia and Thailand are set to expire on 14 March 2014, unless a Sunset Review investigation is initiated. Comments in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act on European Union graphical indications (GI) are due by 06 March 2014 Energon It is said that energy is paramount in transforming any economy. We all know the energy constraints of our economy. In the movie Transformers, its energy is called Energon which is derived from many forms, including ore, crystal, gas, and raw energy in a liquid state. Due to the interest of readers, South Africa’s monthly energy needs – electricity, crude oil and coal – will be considered from an import and export perspective. In November 2013 South Africa exported R241m of electricity (R226m to Mozambique) and imported R163m (from Mozambique), it imported R10.49bn of crude oil (R2.37bn from Mozambique), and it exported R4.49bn of coal. Crude oil imports from Mozambique? Cover your A.R.S.E. Not a week goes by without an email from someone expressing an interest in pursuing a future in customs and excise. The accompanying question, what must I do to ensure that I steer clear of trouble? When entering an unknown legislative and administrative environment I am reminded of the wise words – cover your arse. According to Wikipedia, “to cover your arse” describes professional and organisational practices that serve to protect you from legal and administrative penalties, criticism or other punitive measures. In customs and excise the cover is the Act, Rules, Schedules, and Electronic Notifications. Keep it covered.
