2 November 2006
The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) wishes to notify importers that
the Special Import Permit Certificates (SIPC), which specifies the quotas that
each registered importer will receive, are ready for collection at the offices
of the International Trade Administration Commission. Certificates not claimed
by 17 November 2006 will be forfeited and re-allocated to new entrants. New
entrants, as defined in the regulations which were published on 20 October
2006, need to apply for quotas before 17 November 2006.
The dti also wishes to announce that a committee to monitor the
implementation of the quotas is being established with representatives of
government, manufacturers, retailers and labour. The monitoring committee will
meet periodically to consider matters of concern that might arise in the course
of the administration of these measures, and if necessary, make appropriate
recommendations to the Minister of Trade and Industry for his consideration and
decision.
The revised regulations and the decision to establish a monitoring committee
is the result of the processing of public comments received and active
consultation with stakeholders. It is hoped that the dialogue that has
developed between government and stakeholders will serve as a basis for further
strategic co-operation to develop this important sector. To this end, the dti
and government welcomes initiatives such as the recently held second Imbizo of
the clothing and textiles value chain, and would like to encourage industry to
leverage the period ahead to forge an integrated and competitive domestic value
chain.
The department is aware that a few industry players are planning legal
action against the import measures and views this as counter-productive in
light of the co-operative and consultative approach committed to by all parties
in this matter.
For further information please contact any of the following persons:
Enquiries:
Willem van der Spuy
Tel: (012) 394 3024
Fax: 012 394 3707
Mr P Snyman
Tel: (012) 394 3608
Ms C Grove
Tel: (012) 394 3594
Henriette van der Merwe
Tel: (012) 394 1640
Cell: 072 316 5533
Bongani Lukhele
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Cell: 083 291 8689
Bethuel Mnguni
Tel: (012) 394 1647
Cell: 083 624 8888
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
2 November 2006
