Sars on 22 August 2014 announced the substitution of tariff subheading 3207.20, “Vitrifiable enamels and glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations”, and the insertion of tariff subheadings 3207.20.10 ”Vitrifiable enamels and similar preparations” and 3207.20.20 “Vitrifiable glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations”. The “General” rate of duty on tariff subheading 3207.20.10 was set at 5% ad valorem, whilst the remaining rate of duty at free.
The application was initiated by Itac through a Government Gazette notice on 21 February 2014, following the application lodged by Ferro Industrial Products (Pty) Ltd who argued that it was experiencing increasing competition from imports predominantly from Turkey and that these imports landed at prices far below the local prices and in some cases below international prices. The applicant believed that it was running a real risk of industry closure because of continuous loss of market share. As the sole producer of vitreous enamels locally the market will be forced to import their enamel requirements. Comment was due by 21 March 2014 (Human Rights Day).
The application took 182 days or just over six months to complete.