Importers and exporters could face new fees for permits issued by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) under draft guidelines published for comment on September 21.
The proposed fees include R339 for an import or export permit, R3 797 for a waste and scrap metal permit and R4 454 for a rebate or drawback permit or certificate. An import or export application covering several tariff subheadings could attract more than one R339 fee.
The charges are not yet in effect. ITAC expects to begin levying fees on April 1, 2027, starting with certificates issued under the Automotive Production and Development Programme. The draft sets fees of R2 242 for an Eligible Production Certificate, R5 608 for a Production Rebate Certificate and R5 327 for a Company Specific Percentage Certificate.
Fees for import and export control permits will be introduced later, followed by rebate and drawback permits and certificates. ITAC said it will give notice before extending the charges.
Under the draft guidelines, applicants would pay through ITAC’s electronic permit system when applying. An application requiring a fee will only be submitted once payment is approved. Fees will not be refunded after payment.
Applicants seeking an exemption will have to request it first and provide supporting reasons. ITAC could grant an exemption for good cause or in the public interest, including where a fee would disproportionately affect a small business or an economically vulnerable region. If the request is refused, the applicant will have to pay before the application can be submitted and processed. An exemption will apply only to the specific authorisation. A later application will require a new request.
ITAC said the fees intend to recover processing and administrative costs. The draft guidelines follow regulations published in August that established the framework for charging them.
Interested parties have 14 days from publication of the September 21 notice to comment on the draft guidelines.
