Frozen Chicken Meat Dumping Notice On 25 October 2013 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) published a notice of initiation of an investigation into the alleged dumping of frozen bone-in portions of fowls of the species Gallus Domesticus, classifiable in tariff subheading 0207.14.90, originating in or imported from Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The application was lodged by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), an industrial organisation for the poultry producers in the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) market. SAPA constitutes approximately 72% of the Sacu production volume of the subject product. The application by SAPA is supported by Grain S.A, Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA), Namib Poultry Industries (Pty) Ltd, Swazi Poultry Processors, Botswana Poultry Association and Basotho Poultry Farmers Association. ARGRI, Country Fair, Early Bird – Olifantsfontein, Early Bird – Standerton, Rainbow Chicken, Sovereign Foods and Supreme Poultry provided injury information in this regard, and they constitute a major portion of the total Sacu production. Comment is due by 03 December 2013. Commercial Fishing Permit Holders On 25 October 2013 the South African Revenue Service (Sars) published the amendment of note Note 6(ij) (ii)(aa)C in Part 3 of Schedule No. 6 to provide clarity in the interpretation regarding eligible commercial fishing permit holders. The note reads: “that are nominated on a valid commercial fishing permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in terms of the Martine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998)”. Tariff Applications More detailed information on the tariff applications is available in Customs Buzz. Comments on the tariff applications are due by 15 November 2013. Uncoated Paper and Paperboard The proposed increase in the “General” rate of customs duty on uncoated paper and paperboard, classifiable in tariff subheadings 4802.56.20 and 4802.56.90, from free of duty to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) bound rate of 5% ad valorem and 20% ad valorem respectively. Blades for Windscreen Wipers The proposed increase in the “General” rate of customs duty on blades for windscreen wipers, classifiable in tariff subheading 8512.90, from free of customs duty to 30% ad valorem by creating an additional 8-digit tariff subheading under tariff subheading 8512.90, for blades for windscreen wipers. Wheel Hubs The proposed reduction (decrease) in the “General” rate of customs duty on wheel hubs (excluding those of unmachined cast metal), classifiable in tariff subheading 8708.50.20, from 20% ad valorem to free of duty. Methyl Ester Sulphate The proposed rebate of the customs duty (creation of a Rebate Item) for methyl ester sulphate, classifiable in tariff subheading 3402.11, for the manufacture of washing preparations (detergents), classifiable in tariff subheading 34.02.
