None of our cricketers could achieve a hat-trick in their recent test match in Australia, but the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI did so at the end of last year with the passing of three Bills, namely the Companies Bill, the Consumer Protection Bill, and the Competition Amendment Bill.

The Companies Bill provides for the incorporation, registration, organisation and management of companies. It seeks to overhaul the regulatory framework for companies, as enshrined in the Companies Act No 61 of 1973 and the Close Corporations Act No 69 of 1984. The Bill also paves the way for the establishment of a Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, a Takeover Regulation Panel, a Companies Tribunal, and a Financial Reporting Standards Council to administer and regulate company registrations, mergers, takeovers, legal redress for investors, and other related matters.

The Consumer Protection Bill provides for a system of product liability and improved redress, and seeks to regulate the commercial relationship between suppliers and consumers to ensure fair and competitive markets. The Bill establishes norms and standards relating to consumer protection, and promotes a legislative framework for the regulation of consumer transactions and agreements.

The Competition Amendment Bill is designed to create an efficient competitive environment, promote the interests of all role-players, reinforce the Competition Act of 1998, and further empower the role of competition authorities in South Africa by ensuring market transparency. The Bill makes provision for the concurrent jurisdiction of a competitive South African market by both the Competition Commission and other regulatory authorities, and introduces a revolutionary clause on personal accountability for individuals who cause companies to engage in cartel-like behaviour.

Business Breakfast on Tariff and Trade Intelligence
On February 24, IIR Conferences will host a business breakfast in Rosebank, Johannesburg, titled 'Tariff and Trade Intelligence'.

The key issues to be discussed include tariff and trade intelligence across all industries, focusing on trade conditions in South Africa; trade opportunities and challenges within South Africa; and how to use tariff and trade intelligence to make informed business decisions.

Tariff Applications – Comment Due
The proposed rebate of the full rate of duty on cartridge cases which have a length of 78 mm and wads (power pistons) with a diameter of 23 mm and a length varying from 24 mm to 32 mm, depending on the slug loaded (zinc or lead), which are used in the manufacture of industrial cartridges.

The proposed rebate of the full duty on electric heating resistors and on solid plates for the manufacture of stoves, hobs and tabletop cookers.

Comment is due by February 4.

Extension of Comments Deadline – Indian Exports
In a notice dated December 11, 2008, the Department of Trade and Industry reiterated its invitation to interested parties in the agricultural, agroprocessing, chemicals, metals, engineering, textiles and clothing, automotive and other economic sectors to make submissions on their areas of interest regarding the ongoing trade negotiations between the Southern African Customs Union and India. The initial notice was published in the Government Gazette of September 19, 2008.

According to the notice, the deadline of October 10, 2008, has been extended to January 27, 2009.