On 08 June 2026, the World Trade Organization (WTO) informed its members that South Africa had notified its Committee on Safeguards, on 05 June 2026, of the initiation of a safeguard investigation in respect of A3 and A4 office paper imported into the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), on which comment is due on 25 June 2026.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.