An invitation has been extended to any interested party to comment on the proposed rebate of the rate of customs duty on: (i) Synthetic filament yarn of nylon or other polyamides, measuring per single yarn or more than 500 dtex, textured, for the manufacture of tufted carpets identified for use in motor vehicles; (ii) Synthetic filament yarn of polyesters for the manufacture of tufted carpets identified for use in motor vehicles; (iii) Non-woven’s, whether or not impregnated, coated or laminated, of a mass exceeding 25 g/m2 but not exceeding 70 g/m2 for the manufacture of tufted carpets identifiable for use in motor vehicles; and (iv) Non-woven’s, whether or not impregnated, coated or laminated, of a mass exceeding 70 g/m2 but not exceeding 150 g/m2 for the manufacture of tufted carpets identifiable for use in motor vehicles. The application was lodged by Futiris Feltex (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that the industrial yarn impacted negatively on the ability of the applicant to compete in the market and it had an unnecessary cost-raising effect. Yarn used for industrial purposes i.e. non textile and clothing applications should be excluded from the one utilised by the clothing and allied industries as they differ from yarns in automotive carpets. The proposed rebate provisions will improve the industry’s competitiveness and decrease the prices of tufted carpets supplied to the downstream market. Comment is due by 23 September 2011.
