Extension of the policy directive on the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal

On 10 May 2013 the Minister of Economic Development (the Minister) issued a Trade Policy Directive to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) in terms of section 5 of the International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002 (the ITA Act) on the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal.

The Policy Directive set out the policy in terms of which ITAC was to exercise its powers under the ITA Act in administering the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal.

ITAC thereafter issued Export Control Guidelines, which give effect to the Policy Directive. ITAC amended the Export Control Guidelines by publishing the Amended Export Control Guidelines in Government Gazette number 37992, Notice number 714, dated 12 September 2014.

The Directive stated that the policy will be in place for five years. It further noted that “at the end of this period, it will be reviewed to determine whether it should be terminated or extended for a limited period, with or without amendment.”

The Minister, in Government Gazette number 41924, Notice 576, dated 21 September 2018, renewed the Policy Directive for a period of nine months until 30 June 2019.

In Government Gazette number 41938, Notice 1006, dated 28 September 2018, ITAC extended the Amended Export Control Guidelines on the Exportation of Ferrous and Non- ferrous Waste and Scrap.

In the Budget Speech of 20 February 2019, the Minister of Finance stated that the National Treasury will work with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Economic Development to explore the introduction of an export tax on scrap metal.

Extension
The Minister is considering extending the Policy Directive for a period of nine months from 30 June 2019 until March 2020, to enable the National Treasury, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Economic Development to explore the introduction of an export tax on ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal and its implications for the Directive.

This notice is issued for comment by interested parties and stakeholders before the Minister decides whether to extend the Policy Directive. Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to submit representations and comments regarding the proposed extension of the Policy Directive.

Representations and comments must be submitted to the Minister of Economic Development for the attention of Dr Molefe Pule, email: Ministry@economic.gov.za, Economic Development Department, Private Bag X 149, Pretoria, 0001 or hand delivered at 77 Meintjies Street, Block A, Utangamiri Building, 3rd Floor, Sunnyside, 0132.