The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has released a 57-page document titled ‘Recommendation of the Customs Cooperation Council Concerning the Amendment of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System’.

According to this document, the Harmonised System committee has been working for almost five years on proposed changes to the system.

The WCO council adopted the recommendation at its annual sessions, in June, and the recommendation is now being promulgated. This implies that Harmonised System contracting parties have six months during which they can object to a recommended amendment.

Tariff Amendments – Aluminium Articles

The reduction in the rate of customs duty on aluminium bars, rods and profiles. The general and European Union (EU) – 5% – and the European Free-Trade Area (EFTA) – 3,8% – rates of customs duty have been reduced to free of customs duty.

The reduction in the rate of customs duty on aluminium wire. The general (5%), EU (1,9%) and EFTA (3,8%) rates of customs duty have been reduced to free of customs duty.

The reduction in the rate of customs duty on aluminium plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0,2 mm. The general (10%), EU (3,8%) and EFTA (7,5%) rates of customs duty are reduced to free of customs duty.

The reduction in the rate of customs duty on aluminium foil (whether nor not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (exclu- ding any backing) not exceeding 0,2 mm. The general (10%), EU (3,8%) and EFTA (10%) rates of customs duty have been reduced to free of customs duty.

The withdrawal of rebate provisions (manufacturing rebate) in respect of aluminium products used in the manufacture of tubes and pipes, machinery and mecha- nical appliances and implements, and slide fasteners.

Tariff Amendments – Passenger Imports
Rebate item 407.00 – the insertion of note 3(c) to the rebate item: Goods Imported by Immigrants, Tourists, Returning Residents and Other Passengers, for their Personal Use.

Rebate item 407.02 – the substitution of the heading ‘Goods Imported as Accompanied Passengers’ Baggage Either by Nonresidents or Residents of the Republic and Cleared at the Place Where Such Persons Disembark or Enter the Republic’ with ‘Goods Imported as Accompanied Passengers’ Baggage, Including Goods Obtained at a Licensed In-bound Duty and Tax-Free Shop Either by Nonresidents Or Residents of the Republic and Cleared at the Place Where Such Persons Disembark or Enter the Republic.

Rebate item 412.27 – the inser- tion of rebate item 412.27: Goods Supplied by a Licensee of a Special Customs and Excise Storage Warehouse Licensed as a Duty- and Tax-Free Shop.

Rebate item 624.70 – the insertion of rebate item 624.70: Goods Supplied by a Licensee of an In-Bound Duty- and Tax-Free Shop to In-Bound Travellers.

Rebate item 624.70 – the insertion of rebate item 624.70: Excisable Goods Supplied by a Licensee of a Special Customs and Excise Storage Warehouse Licensed as a Duty- and Tax-Free Shop.

National Energy Regulator – Petroleum
In the Government Gazette of July 7, a notice appeared in respect of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) intention to introduce rules in terms of the Petroleum Pipelines Act of 2003. Written comment is due by August 7.

National Energy Regulator – Gas
In the Government Gazette of July 7, a notice appeared in respect of Nersa’s intention to introduce rules in terms of the Gas Act of 2001. Written comment is due by August 7.

Amendment to Civil Aviation Regulations
In the Government Gazette of July 6, a notice appeared in respect of the proposed amendment to the Civil Aviation Regulations of 1997. The proposed amendments relate to regulation 47.00.5 (2)(a), which deals with the instance in which an aircraft is imported into South Africa for the first time or is returned to South Africa, and regulation 47.00.5, which deals with applications for the registration of aircraft. Written comment is due by August 14.