On 16 January 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) called for comment on the application for an increase in the ‘General’ rate of customs duty from 10% ad valorem to 15% ad valorem on MDF, classifiable in tariff heading 44.11. Comment is due by 13 February 2026.
The application was lodged by PG Bison (Pty) Ltd, who reasoned that:
- The growth of Southern African Customs Union (SACU) industries, like its own, is threatened by increasing imports, particularly from the People’s Republic of China (China). From 2021 to 2023, Chinese imports increased by 114%, with China accounting for 32% of total imports. The competitive pricing of these imports, significantly lower than SACU production costs, suggests a likelihood of under-declaration and underscores the necessity for stricter enforcement of customs duties at ports to protect SACU industries.
- The proposed increase in the ‘General’ rate of customs duty aims to bolster its competitive position and safeguard its substantial investments by curbing these undervalued imports. Protecting SACU manufacturing is vital for achieving the increased production targets and anticipated job creation from the Mkhondo plant expansion. By enhancing production capacity, it aims to serve the entire SACU and key markets within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which will be a significant enabler of exports and a crucial component in realising the objectives of SACU industrialisation and investment enhancement.