EU Graphical Indications The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1941, published a notice on 04 February 2014 proposing the prohibition of the use of certain words. The European Union requested the prohibition of the use of certain words in connection with any trade, business, profession or occupation or in connection with a trade mark, mark or trade description applied to goods, other than the use thereof by producers of the goods from the countries indicated in the Gazette. The categories of products are (1) fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed; (2) cheeses; (3) meat products; (4) olive oil; (5) fisheries product; (6) beer; and (7) other products. The names listed may only be used to refer to products in the categories which are produced in accordance with the conditions for each category as set out on the dti website – http://www.thedti. gov.za/business_regulations/ SA_EU.jsp Comment due by 06 March 2014. Prioritised Parliamentary Bills The African National Congress Parliamentary Caucus on 05 February 2014 announced that there were 43 bills that parliament had to pass before the Elections of 07 May 2014. They identified eight bills to which they believe Parliament should give special attention and ensure that they are passed into law. Three of the prioritised bills listed as 4th, 5th and 6th respectively are the Customs Control Bill, 2013; the Customs Duty Bill, 2013; and Customs and Excise Amendment Bill, 2013. Sars’ SCoF Report Back The South African Revenue Service (Sars) reported back to the Standing Committee on Finance (SCoF) on 05 February 2013 following the committee’s oral hearing of 28 January 2014. On 07 February 2014 Sars published the Draft Response Document on the Customs Control Bill, 2014 and Customs Duty Bill, 2014; the SCoF Amendments to the Customs and Excise Amendment Bill, 2014; and the SCoF Amendments to the Customs Control Bill, 2014. According to Business Day the Customs Control Bill includes a “fallback” provision which allows for a return to the current customs control system should the proposed one fail. 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 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. The countervailing measures on wire ropes and cables imported from or originating in India are set to expire on 12 February 2014 unless a Sunset Review investigation is initiated. TWiT “This Week in Trade” considers the period 08 to 14 February. On 11 February 2008, Sars held a briefing session with National Treasury, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) and the dti on the redrafting of the Customs and Excise Act.
