Sars publishes administrative appeals guidance

On February 19, the chairperson of the Operations Appeals Committee of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) issued a letter titled ‘Internal Administrative Appeals: Guidance’.

New policy to promote industrialisation

On February 18, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, released the 2010/11 to 2012/13 Industrial Policy Action Plan (Ipap).

Fifth world customs conference to be held in September

In 2006, the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO’s) Partnership in Customs Academic Research and Development (Picard) programme was launched to provide a framework for cooperation between customs authorities worldwide and the academic world.

Deadline for comments 
on draft Customs Bills only a week away

It is amazing how quickly time passes. It has been a while since the draft Customs Control Bill and Customs Duty Bill were initially published – on October 30, 2009 – but only a few days are left for comments on the Bills to be submitted. The...

Bag it, but don't 'zero' it

On January 22, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) released its panel report, titled 'United States – Antidumping Measures on Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from Thailand'. The document, which is extremely short by WTO standards, consists of an...

Zakumi figurines made in China

I initially planned to lead this week’s instalment of this column with a discussion of the 2008 judgment in the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) vs Fascination Wigs case. However, when I walked into a Sasol delight store...

Three customs cases to be heard at the Supreme Court in February, March

February and March are going to be busy months for the Supreme Court of Appeal as far as the hearing of customs cases are concerned. Last year, only two customs cases were heard by the court; three have so far been scheduled for this year.

Legislative changes to have significant impact on companies

Since South Africa’s name popped out of the FIFA envelope about five years ago, South Africans have initiated preparations for 2010. Now 2010 is finally here.