The WCO’s Mobile HS2017 Course
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has announced the launch of its online course of the Harmonised System (HS) 2017 edition, which consists of educational videos and a knowledge test. The course is designed to present the major changes to the different sections of the HS2017 edition. You will also be able to test your knowledge on the classification of goods within the HS and search for any changes between the 2012 and 2017 editions in the correlation tables. The course is available on CLiKC!, the WCO’s online learning platform, and is also the first WCO e-learning course built using mobile learning technologies. By downloading the free app, available on the App Store and on Google Play, you will be able to access features such as a search engine that indicates if a specific HS code has been amended in the 2017 version.
Swaziland and South Africa’s interconnectivity
The WCO-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Connect Project, funded by Sweden, in May held a session in Pretoria with information technology (IT) experts from the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA), the South African Revenue Service (Sars), and external consultants supporting Swaziland in developing their interfacing capabilities. The session was aimed at establishing connectivity and data exchange between the two administrations, building on lessons learned from recent pilots and tests. The SRA and Sars are now ready to share their experience in establishing customs systems interconnectivity and data exchange so that it can be replicated regionally and globally. According the WCO’s capacity-building directorate, the exchange of information is critical to the fight against commercial fraud and to the creation of a level playing field for companies in the region. It also supports a wider vision where deeper regional integration is seen as a tool to promote development in the region.
Apply for agro-processing support
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has called for applications for the Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS). Closing date is 30 September. The APSS aims to stimulate investment in South African agri-business enterprises. The investment should demonstrate that it will achieve amongst others increased capacity, employment creation, modernised machinery and equipment, competitiveness and productivity improvement, and broadening participation. The APSS offers a 20% to 30% cost-sharing grant to a maximum of R20 million over a two-year investment period, with a last claim to be submitted within six months after the final approved milestone. The dti may consider an additional 10% grant for projects that meet all economic benefit criteria. The maximum approved grant may be utilised on a combination of investment costs provided the applicant illustrates a sound business case for the proposed investment activities. An applicant must submit a completed application form and business plan with detailed agri-business enterprise activities, budget plans and projected income statement and balance sheet, for a period of at least three years for the project.
