Whether you are a domestic manufacturer in need of protection, or an importer, exporter we help you navigate the complexities of safeguard measures.
The use of the safeguard instrument to protect local manufacturers is on the rise as many investigations have been initiated by ITAC and duties successfully imposed.
Safeguard measures protect a specific domestic industry from a surge in imports of any product.
The surge should be causing or threatening to cause, serious injury to the local industry.
Safeguards are an emergency measure to protect domestic industries.
A safeguard duty is imposed, if import volumes are: sharp, due to unforeseen developments, causing or threatening to cause serious injury to the SACU industry.
The investigation Process
Evaluation of application
A team of ITAC investigators evaluates submitted safeguard applications to determine if there is a case. Applications are prepared in a specific format and require specific information.
The investigation team will check if the application meets ITAC requirements. Applications that do not meet the requirements are sent back to the applicant for correction.
Verification and initiation of investigation
Once the application is accepted as properly documented, the investigation team will verify the information provided against the applicant’s company records. The purpose of verification is for ITAC to satisfy itself that the provided information is reasonable and reliable.
Unverifiable information means the matter will not proceed and the application will be rejected. Assuming verification is done to the satisfaction of ITAC, the safeguard investigation is formally initiated. This is done by publishing the matter in the government gazette.
Filing of submissions by importers and their foreign suppliers or exporters
Importers and exporters have 30 days to make submissions to ITAC. However, an extension can be applied for if good reasons can be provided. It is vital that the provided information is accurately substantiated.
The decision
A preliminary decision is first made. The decision can be to impose preliminary safeguard duties while the investigation continues. Preliminary duties will be in place for a maximum of 200 days.
A final decision is taken when ITAC has completed its investigation. The preliminary duties may be converted to final duties. Alternatively, the final duties may be lower or higher than the preliminary duties.
Safeguard duties are imposed on imports from all countries, including imports from Free Trade Agreement countries like the EU. However, developing and least developed countries are mostly exempted from safeguard duties
Is your locally manufactured product under pressure from competing imported products? With significant expertise in this area, let our expert consultants help you with a safeguard application and guide you throughout the process.
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Customs duty increase on frozen vegetables rejected
The Minister of Trade Industry and Competition rejected ITAC’s recommendation for a duty increase on frozen vegetables classified under tariff subheading 0710.90. This means the 10% duty in place will remain as is. The Minister’s reasons for rejecting the Commission’s recommendations centered around the impact of the duty increase on pricing. Indeed, the duty increase
July 4, 2023 -
No final anti-dumping duties imposed on welded link chains imported from China
On 16 March 2023, The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) published the final decision pertaining to welded link chains anti-dumping investigation. The products are classified under tariff subheading 7315.82.05. The Commission made a final determination that dumping of welded link chains imported from China was indeed taking place. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the dumping
March 17, 2023 -
NRCS proposes levy increases
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) proposed a levy increase of 7.2% for the year 2023. Increases for subsequent years will be based on the prevailing consumer price inflation. NRCS last increased levies in 2019 by 5%. The proposed increase is 2.2% higher since the last increase. Products regulated by NRCS are liable for
March 7, 2023 -
Provisional anti-dumping duties imposed on vehicle laminated windscreens
The International Trade Commission of South Africa (ITAC) have imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 18.36% to 26.67%, with effect from 10 February 2023. These will remain in place until 9 August 2023. It is important to note that these duties are levied on top of the 30% duty already in place on tariff subheading 7007.21.20. The
February 14, 2023 -
Anti-dumping investigation on chicken from Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, and Spain concluded
The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) finalised its investigation into the alleged dumping of chicken imported from Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, and Spain. Most exporters from the five countries were found to be dumping and implementation of anti-dumping duties recommended by ITAC. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition approved ITAC’s recommendation but decided to suspend
August 8, 2022 -
Provisional anti-dumping duty imposed on laminated glass imported from China
A provisional anti-dumping duty of 232.78% has been imposed on laminated safety glass, imported from China. The glass is classifiable under tariff subheading 7007.29. This is quite a significant duty and will likely decrease the volumes imported from China. Numerous anti-dumping investigations have been initiated by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) in the last
March 18, 2022