On 17 February 2026, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) announced the extension of the commenting period on the placing of chrome ore under export control in terms of Section 6 of the International Trade Administration Act 71, 2002 (Act 71, 2002) Comment is due by 04 March 2026.
The essence of the Government Gazette notice:
EXTENSION OF COMMENTING PERIOD ON THE PLACING OF CHROME ORE UNDER EXPORT CONTROL IN TERMS OF SECTION 6 OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION ACT 71, 2002
1. In terms of Section 5 of the Act 71, 2002, the Trade, Industry and Competition Minister notifies that:
(a) On 03 October 2025, the minister issued the notice in the Government Gazette which informed stakeholders and interested parties of the Cabinet’s decision aimed at reviving South Africa’s chrome industry and to invite public comments on the intention to place chrome ore, classifiable under tariff subheading 2610.00, under export control by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC).
(b) This intervention is among other interventions designed to improve the long-term viability and competitiveness of the chrome value chain in South Africa.
(c) Stakeholders and interested parties were invited to submit input to the dtic by 31 October 2025.
(d) Following receipt of input, careful analysis and consideration of presentations made, it became clear that a significant number of stakeholders and interested parties needed further opportunity to provide their contributions.
(e) The minister extended an invitation to stakeholders and interested parties to submit written comments by 04 March 2026.
(f) The submission should be clearly marked ‘confidential’ or ‘non-confidential’, and if a confidential submission is made, it should be accompanied by a non-confidential version.
g) The extension will allow:
(i) Additional time for stakeholders and interested parties to prepare and submit input on specific areas of concern, which, for various reasons, could not be provided adequately during the first round of commenting on the Government Gazette of 03 October 2025.
(ii) Further engagement between the dtic and stakeholders, clarifying certain aspects of Government intention, and building consensus on recommendations made.