Customs

Itac has proposed a reduction in the “General” rate of customs duty on stranded wire, or wire which is plated, coated, or clad with brass, classifiable under tariff subheading 7312.10.20, from 5% ad valorem to free of duty, through the creation of an additional 8-digit tariff subheading.

The application was lodged by Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that there were no local manufacturers of the subject product in the Sacu region. There are costs involved in applying and administering Rebate Item 307.08/73.12/01.00 (3^rd Schedule) that would be eliminated. The administrative burden on government will also be reduced if the 3^rd Schedule Rebate Item is cancelled. Describing the product in more detail would ensure that the tariff subheading is not used by unscrupulous importers to evade customs duties applicable on other products manufactured by the Sacu wire industry.

Comment is due by 17 April 2014.

As a reminder, on 22 November 2013 Apollo South Africa (Pty) Ltd applied for the amendment of the customs duty structure for certain pneumatic tyres of rubber classifiable under tariff subheading 4011.10, 4011.20.15, 4011.20.22, 4011.20.24, and 4011.20.26. The investigation is ongoing.