Poly(ethylene terephthalate) dumping duty On 02 August, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) informed of the imposition of an anti-dumping provisional payment against the alleged dumping of poly (ethylene terephthalate), classifiable in tariff subheading 3907.60, originating in or imported from China. The provisional payment of 22.90% is implemented from 02 August up to and including 02 February 2020.
Karoo Lamb GI - Comment due The Department of Agriculture on 02 August, in terms of the Agricultural Product Standards Act, announced their intention to register and protect Karoo Lamb intended for sale in South Africa as a South African Geographical Indication (GI). Comment is due by 01 September.
Emissions reductions and energy efficiency The National Treasury on 30 July published the Draft Income Tax Amendment Bill, 2019 dealing with the repeal of the tax exemption for certified emission reductions, and the extension of the energy efficiency savings tax incentive. Comment is due by 23 August.
Oil Industry - External Policy The South African Revenue Service (SARS) released its “External Policy - Oil Industry” effective from 05 June. The Policy applies to the policy applies to the Oil Industry (including category 2 manufacturers of biodiesel). The Policy does not cover: (i) Non-commercial and category 1 manufacturers of biodiesel as this is dealt with in document SEBIO02; (ii) The completion of the forms DA159 and DA 160 (Petroleum Products Accounts) as these are dealt with in documents SE-BIO03-M01 and SE-BIO04-M01 respectively; (iii) Bonds as this is dealt with in document SE-BON-02; (iv) Licensing and Registration requirements as these are dealt with in document SE-LR-02; and (v) Refunds by licensed distributors as this is dealt with in document SE-REF-02.
Madagascar pasta safeguard investigation The World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards announced that on 18 July Madagascar notified its initiation of a safeguard investigation on pasta on which comment is due by 30 August. A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is threatening to cause, serious material injury to a domestic industry. During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties. A WTO member may only take a safeguard action if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious material injury.
Duty Calls’ Watchlist Comment due on: The Sunset Review on wire ropes, cables, and wire from the United Kingdom and Germany by 26 August. The Sunset Review on gypsum plasterboard from Thailand and Indonesia by 26 August. The Sunset Review on frozen potato chips from Belgium and the Netherlands by 26 August. The reduction of customs duty on cooker hoods by 23 August.
