The reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on compounds containing an unfused triazine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) instructure: Atrazine, classifiable in tariff subheading 2933.69.30, from 10 per cent ad valorem to free of duty.
The application was lodged by Arysta LifeScience SA (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that atrazine was once manufactured by Dow AgroScience South Africa. Presumably the reason for the 10% duty protection. Currently there are no Atrazine technical manufacturers in the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu).
Comment is due by 23 September 2016.
The creation of a rebate provision on other switches, with moulded casings of plastics or other insulating material, with a current rating not exceeding 800 A, classifiable in tariff subheading 8536.50.50 for the manufacture of electric blankets classifiable in tariff subheading 6301.10. Other electrical conductors, for a voltage exceeding 80 V, not fitted with connectors, classifiable in tariff subheading 8544.49.90, for the manufacture of electric blankets classifiable in tariff subheading 6301.10.
The application was lodged by Stingray Accessory Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd which had been manufacturing electric blankets locally for the past 36 years without any trade assistance. It argued that local manufacture was faced with increasing production cost in the manufacture of electric blankets and the rebate provision would assist in lowering cost of production.
Comment is due by 23 September 2016.
The amendment of Rebate Item 320.01 through the inclusion of goods used in the manufacture of furniture products classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 94.03 and 94.04, as follows:
3926.90.90 Fittings of plastics, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 9403 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
4409.29.90 Wooden dowels (excluding those of bamboo), non-coniferous, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 94.03 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
7317.00.02 Wire nails of iron or steel, with shanks pointed at one end, presented in strips, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 94.03 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
7317.00.40 Staples of iron or steel, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff heading 94.01, 94.03 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
8301.30.00 Locks and keys of base metal, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 94.03 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
8302.10.00 Hinges of base metal, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 94.03 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
8302.42.90 Base metal mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for furniture, other, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 9403 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
8305.20.00 Staples in strips of base metal, for use in the manufacture of furniture classifiable in tariff headings 94.01, 94.03 and mattress supports of subheading 9404.10.
The applicant Bravo Manufacturing Group (Pty) Ltd reasoned that growing input costs coupled with cash-strapped customer base was making it difficult for the local industry to manufacture furniture products on a sustainable basis. As a result, the domestic industry is faced with increasing competition vis-à-vis imports of the similar end products, and therefore reduction of input costs through a rebate of the import duties on input material will ensure that the local furniture industry remains competitive.
Comment is due by 23 September 2016.