Itac Initiates Antidumping Investigations

On June 24, two antidumping investigations were initiated by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) relating to the species gallus domesticus, commonly known as chicken, imported from or originating in Brazil and the US.

The Brazil antidumping investigation is a new one, while the US antidumping investigation is a 'sunset review' investiga- tion, which means that antidumping duties have been in place for at least four years and this investigation will, effectively, con- sider an extension for another five years. This will be the second sunset review investigation.

Another distinction between the two investigations is that, with respect of the US investigation, the antidumping duties will remain in place while the sunset review investigation is under way, whereas, with respect to the Brazil investigation, imports from or originating in Brazil will only become subject to an antidumping duty if provisional payments are imposed. (You will recall that provisional payments are normally formalised into antidumping duties.)

Interested parties, be they South African importers or their overseas suppliers, have an opportunity to take part in the investigations.

Brazilian Chicken Antidumping Investigation

On June 24, Itac published a notice of the initiation of the investigation into the alleged dumping of frozen meat of fowls of the species gallus domesticus (whole bird and boneless cuts) classifiable under tariff subheadings 0207.12 and 0207.14.10, originating in or imported from Brazil.

The application was lodged by the South African Poultry Association (Sapa), which represents about 80% of Southern African Customs Union producers of the subject products. However, in this case, the association is representing Rainbow Farms, Earlybird and Country Fair Foods.

Comment is due by August 1.

US Chicken Antidumping Sunset Review Investigation

On June 24, Itac published a notice of the initiation of a sunset review of the antidumping duties on frozen meat of fowls of the species gallus domesticus (cut in pieces with bone in) classifiable under tariff subheading 0207.14.90, origi- nating in or imported from the US.

The application was lodged by Sapa on behalf of Rainbow Farms, Earlybirdand Country Fair Foods.

Comment is due by August 1.

Proposed Amendments to Schedules No 3, 4, 5 and 6

On June 21, the South African Revenue Service published a draft notice with respect to the proposed amendments of schedules No 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Customs and Excise Act as well as an explanatory memorandum on the proposed amendments.

The proposed tariff amendments relate to changes (amendments or deletions) to the references to certain government departments and private associations or institutions.

Comment is due by July 12.

Statutory Measures – Olive Oil Industry

On June 24, the National Agricultural Marketing Industry published an application for the implementation of statutory measures in the South African olive oil industry, requesting inputs from role-players.

The statutory measures relate to registration, records and returns and levies. The levy will be used to finance research and development programmes; information and statistics programmes; quality control and certification; communication, consumer education and market development; and transformation and training.

Comment is due by July 8.

Natural Honey – Rebate Permit Applications

On June 17, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries informed of the procedures for the application, admini- stration and allocation of rebate permits for the importation of natural honey for the 2011 calendar. Honey is classifiable under tariff heading 04.09.

Applications are due by August 15, and will be valid for the period January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011.

Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bills

The South African Revenue Service has published the following pieces of draft legislation, which give effect to, besides others, matters that include customs and excise, and were presented by the Minister of Finance in the Budget Review earlier this year: the draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, the draft Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill and the Explan- atory Memorandum on the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill.

Comment was due by July 5.