NUMERICAL QUOTAS on footwear imports from non-WTO (World Trade Organisation) countries will cease by September 20 next year as further adjustments are made to SA import controls.
Imports from WTO member states remain unchanged with import permits being automatically issued without any quantitative restrictions. The only condition is a specific origin requirement which demands that at least 35% of the production cost is represented by material and labour costs from the named source. The last manufacturing process must also have been conducted in that country.
Import controls for non-WTO footwear will continue but will be phased out over the next 15 months.
The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that there will be no quantitative restriction after September 20, 2000. Quotas for the six-month period to this September 20 remain at last year's levels. Quotas for the six months to March 20, 2000 will see a 50% increase, followed by another 50% hike in the last six-month period. Thereafter - no numbers.
However, after that date there will be no legal newcomers in the non-WTO footwear import league. Only those who have previously done this business will be issued with the automatic, non-quantitative import permits.
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