On 20 August 2021, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) self-initiated the creation of a temporary rebate facility on importation of: “Air conditioning machines, comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, including those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated, of a kind used for buildings, compressor operated, having a rated cooling capacity not exceeding 8.8kW, classifiable in tariff subheading 8415.10.10, in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission may allow by specific permit, provided the product is not available in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market”. Comment is due by 03 September 2021.
According to the reasoning for the application: (i) Currently there are no known manufacturers of air conditioners in the SACU region; and (ii) The creation of a temporary rebate provision on the subject products will, in the interim, enable the duty-free importation of the subject product, and thereby reduce the costs of the subject product to the importers. At the same time, the customs duty will remain in place and serve as incentive for potential manufacturers to invest in the SACU region.
The tariff application is accessible at:
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202108/45011gen486.pdf