Protection of Geographical Indications and Entry into Force of Agricultural Market Access under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) and the European Union (EU).
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) confirms that both the European Union (EU) and South Africa (SA) have submitted the required notifications in regard to the protection of their respective GIs in accordance with Protocol 3 of the SADC-EU EPA. The protection covers some wine, spirit and beers names as well as a number of agricultural product names (i.e. the EU protects 105 SA GI names while SA protects 253 EU GIs).
The submitting of these notifications also signifies that the new agricultural market access under the SADC-EU EPA became effective for both the EU and SA on 1 November 2016. South Africa stands to benefit from improved market access on wine, sugar and ethanol amongst others whereas some of the EU’s meat products will enter the South African Customs Union (SACU) region under new Tariff Rate Quotas.
For any enquiries on rules of origin and clearing requirements for the new agricultural market access, traders can contact SARS at 0800 007277, e-mail: rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
