The International Trade Admini- stration Commission of South Africa (Itac) has released information relating to a proposed review of the cus- toms duties on salmon and trout. The application relates to salmon and trout, classifiable under tariff subheadings 0302.13, 0302.14, 0302.19, 0303.11, 03 03.12, 0303.13, 0303.19, 0304.41, 0304.49.90, 0304.42, 0304.59.90, 0304.81.90, 0304.89.90, 0304.91.90, 0304. 99.90, 0305.39.90, 0305.41, 0305.49.90, 0305.69, 0302.11, 0303.14, 0304.42, 0304.82.90, and 0305.43, and the creation of rebate item 460.01/0302.01/01.05 and rebate item 460.01/0303.1/01.05. The application was lodged by Itac and the aim of the review is also to monitor the performance of the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) trout industry following the implementation of the Itac report’s recommendation. Comment is due by July 20, 2012.

Increase in Duty on Frozen Shelled Mussels
Itac is also proposing an increase in the rate of customs duty on frozen half- shelled mussels, classifiable under tariff subheadings 0307.39.10 and 0307.39.90, from 5.5c/kg and free of customs duty respectively to 25% ad valorem. The application was lodged by La Vie Seafood Products, which argued that aquaculture is an immature industry in South Africa that requires support. The importance of this industry as an oceanic foodstuff has been recognised and is starting to draw serious attention as South Africa’s natural resources of fish stocks are in decline. The mussel industry has also been directly identified as a priority section under ‘cluster one’ of government’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (Ipap) for 2010 to 2013. The application is a direct proactive response by the mussel processing industry to government’s stated industrial policy imperative for this Ipap priority sector. Comment is due by July 6, 2012.

Lawnmower Blades
On June 08, 2012, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) reported that two tariff subheadings had been created to provide for lawnmower blades. Tariff subheading 8208.40.10 provides for the increase in the general rate of customs duty, from free of customs duty to 20% ad valorem. Tariff subheading 8208.40.90 provides for a general tariff subheading and is duty free.

Publication of Airport Charges
Airports Company of South Africa informed through a notice in the Government Gazette of May 25, 2012, of the ‘Publication of Airport Charges’. The notice contains a schedule which details: (i) liability to pay airport charges; (ii) notification of movement of aircraft and payment of charges; (iii) landing charges; (iv) parking charges; and (v) passenger service charges.

Customs Rules for Travellers
Previously, I wrote about a Sars notice to amend the Rules to the Customs and Excise Act (Sections 15 and 120), and forms relating to the Traveller Card (TC-01) and the Traveller Declaration. It is important to take account of the implementation date at the following border posts: Oshoek (June 30), Ficksburg (July 7), and Maserubridge (July 14).

Reduction of Duty on AC Generators
Itac informed of the proposed reduc- tion in the rate of customs duty on ac generators (alternators), classifiable under tariff subheadings 8501.61.10, 8501.61.90, and 8501.62.00, with a “general” rate of customs duty of 5% ad valorem, 10% ad valorem and 10% ad valorem respectively to free of customs duty. The application was lodged by Hudaco, which claimed that there were no longer manufacturers of alternators in the Sacu region and that the reduction in the customs duty would indirectly lead to job creation. Comment is due by June 22, 2012.

Withdrawal of Rebate Item 470.01
Itac informed of the proposed withdrawal of rebate item 470.01/00.00/01.00 in Schedule No 4 of the Customs and Excise Act, which provides for a rebate of the full duty on the temporary importation of goods for processing, provided such goods do not become the property of the importer. The application was lodged by Itac, which said it was possibly inappropriate to use of rebate item 470.01 in the absence of any control measures, such as registration and permits issued by Itac, while the processing allowed in rebate item 470.01 is adequately covered under Rebate Item 470.03. Comment is due by June 22, 2012.

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