On 21 August the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) called for comment on the creation of a Rebate Item for warp knit fabrics, classifiable in tariff heading 60.05, used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture, classifiable in tariff subheadings 9401.61 and 9401.71, in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as ITAC may allow by specific permit. Comment is due by 18 September.
The application was lodged by Bravo Group Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd who reasoned that:
- The furniture manufacturing industry faces growing input costs in the manufacture of lounge furniture, which exceed normal Consumer Price Index (CPI), which makes it challenging for the industry to manufacture on a sustainable basis.
- The input subject material is currently not manufactured domestically and thus the possible relief of the input cost will enable the industry to maintain and grow employment and remain competitive in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) industry, competing amongst others with imported products from the East.
The Notice is accessible at:
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202008/43632gen446.pdf
Story by: Riaan de Lange