In a notice in the Government Gazette of March 25, the International Trade Administration of South Africa (Itac) informed of the withdrawal of its earlier notice dated March 20, 2009.

The notice of March 20 related to Itac’s finalisation of its investigation into the alleged dumping of tall oil fatty acid originating in or imported from Sweden. This is the first instance that I am aware of where Itac withdrew a notice at this stage of an investigation. The reason for its decision is unknown. Once we have more information, we will publish it.

Also of interest is the fact that the South African Revenue Service (Sars) published a notice in the Government Gazette of March 20, in which it informs of the imposition of final antidumping duties on tall oil fatty acid, originating in or imported from Sweden.

Safeguard Duties on Lysine Substituted

Sars has published a notice in respect of the substitution of safeguard duties on feed supplements, containing, by mass, 40%t or more lysine, whether or not containing added antibiotics or added melengestrol acetate.

Wire Rope Trade Remedy Duty Corrected

A correction notice was published in respect of an the antidumping duty imposed on ropes and cables of iron or steel, not electrically insulated, of a diameter exceeding 8 mm (excluding that of wire of stainless steel, that of wire plated, coated or clad with copper and that is identifiable as conveyor belt cord) excluding that imported from Bridon International and Pfeifer Drako.

Tariffs on Environmental Goods – Comment

The Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI's) trade negotiations division is preparing to submit a number of tariff proposals to the World Trade Organization tariff negotiations meeting. The proposals relate to four product categories, namely category E (environmental products), category P (possible environmental products), category N (nonenvironmental products) and category X (products that can be harmful to the environment). Interested parties may submit their written comments to the DTI.

Lesotho Customs Officers Training Tender

The Lesotho Revenue Authority has provided additional information in respect of its tender for intermediate traiding for customs officers. Interested persons need to study the 'Terms of Reference' and 'Evaluation Criteria' documents, and should to respond to by no later than 17:00 on April 17.

Imposition of Levies on Perishable Products

The Perishable Products Export Control Board has informed of its imposition of sea levies, container inspection levies and other levies. The levies are valid from April 1.

Imposition of Levies on Exported Products

The PPECB has also informed of the imposition of levies and tariffs in respect of a range of agricultural products that are exported from South Africa. The Government Gazette notice contains the inspection levies (agricultural product standards), the hour and kilometre rates, and laboratory fees.

Draft Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill

In the Government Gazette of March 23, the Department of Transport informed that, in respect of the Draft Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill – Draft Merchant Shipping (Courts of Marine Enquiry Amendment Regulations, the Minister of Transport intends to make such regulations. All interested parties are invited to submit their written comments to the department by April 30.

Competition Commission – SAA Exemption

The Competition Commission informed of an application for exemption received from South African Airways. The application is in respect of a new joint Star Alliance product called the Meeting Plus programme. The product is similar to two other Star Alliance products called the Convention Plus and the Corporate Plus programmes. Interested parties are invited to submit their written comments to the commission by 28 April.

By: Riaan de Lange

Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu

10th April 2009

Source: www.engineeringnews.co.za