The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry would like to emphasise that the views expressed by Mr K Meshoe, MP, in an article, “MP touts defeat of SA settlement product labeling”, that appeared on Tuesday, 2 October 2012 in the Jerusalem Post does not reflect the position of the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry.
Mr K Meshoe incorrectly stated that the Committee rejected legislation; however, no legislation was submitted for the Committee’s consideration. A general notice, Notice 379 of 2012, published on 10 May 2012 reflected the Minister of Trade and Industry’s, Dr Rob Davies, intention to issue a notice in terms of Section 26 of the Consumer Protection Act (Act No. 68 of 2008) to require traders in South Africa, not to incorrectly label products that originate from the Occupied Palestinian Territory as products of Israel.
On 21 September 2012, the Committee heard evidence from various stakeholders on the matter. The Committee did not adopt a formal position but re-iterated that in terms of existing legislation, it is important that the origin of products coming into South Africa be correctly labelled.
The Committee also encouraged further consultation among the Department of Trade and Industry and stakeholders. In addition, the Committee requested that stakeholders submit further comments for consideration by the Department of Trade and Industry once the notice in terms of Section 26 of the Consumer Protection Act (Act No, 68 of 2008) is published. The public would then have 30 days to make input on the matter for consideration.
Please find attached also the media statements issued on behalf of the Committee on the issue in May 2012 and September 2012 as well as the article from the Jerusalem Post.
- Wrongful Labelling of Products Undermines the Laws That Seek to Protect Our People and Our Trading Policy
- Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee Met Stakeholders Regarding the Labelling of Products
- MP Touts Defeat of SA Settlement Product Labelling
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 4038437
Cell: 082 560 9610
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
