Itac on 22 February published the proposed increase in the “general” rate of customs duty on mixtures of frozen vegetables, classifiable in tariff subheading 0710.90 from 10% ad valorem to 37% ad valorem.
The application was lodged by Natures Garden (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that low-cost imports of frozen vegetables were undercutting the prices of the subject product produced in the Sacu thereby placing the Sacu industry in distress. These imports originate primarily from the People’s Republic of China and the European Union (EU).
Ironically, the application would not, if successful, result in an increase in the EU rate of customs duty.
Story by: Riaan de Lange