New EU export permits make January entry

THE NEW export permits to supply certain agricultural products at reduced rates to Europe under the SA/European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA) kick off from January 1. Those for the export of cheese and strawberries will be valid from January 1 to December 31, 2005, while permits for cut flowers, pears, apricots, peaches, fruit juices and wine will be valid for the six months to June 30. Applications for the second category of permits for the second half of 2005 have to be submitted to the authorities between May 1 and 31. FTW was told that permits have only been issued to exporters who are registered with customs and 20% of the allocation in each category was reserved for new exporters and small and medium sized entities (SMMEs). And, if exporters wish to be considered for future allocations, they must surrender expired permits to the authorities within 30 days of expiry.