5.5.8(1)
The systems for controlling the import and export of chemicals and hazardous waste have now been integrated with the provisions of the International Trade Administration Act (Act 71 of 2003) which makes provision for control, through a permit system, of the import and export of goods specified by regulation. The system falls under a directorate in the dti - ITAC, the primary function of which is the administration of the provisions of the International Trade Administration Act.
5.5.8(2)
The control of imports is done in terms of regulations issued by the Minister of Trade and Industry, who can either ban the import of goods of a specified class or kind, or require that they must adhere to the conditions stated in a permit issued by the Commission. DEA is required to identify the relevant tariff codes and associated restrictions required for chemicals and other products, which are submitted to the dti and promulgated by the Minister of Trade of Industry in terms of regulations issued under the International Trade Administration Act. The tariff codes are in turn utilised by the Customs and Excise division of SARS, which automatically acts in terms of the prohibitions or restrictions associated with a particular tariff code.
5.5.8(3)
In order to assist both DEA and the dti with the administration of this system, it is important that the relevant Multilateral Export Agreement (MEA) Convention secretariats assist member countries with identifying the relevant tariff codes, which are used internationally. This alignment of mechanisms for import and export control with the MEAs is one of the central mechanisms to give effect to our international obligations.