4.10.8 Import and export control

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). This Act created a permit system to control the import and export of goods specified by regulation. The system falls under a directorate in the dti - ITAC. ITAC's primary function is to administer the provisions of the International Trade Administration Act.

The Minister of Trade and Industry issues regulations to either ban the import of specified goods or class of goods, or require that they adhere to the conditions stated in a permit that the Commission issues. DEA will identify the tariff codes of and restrictions on chemicals and other products and submit these to the dti. The Minister of Trade of Industry will then issue regulations for these goods under the International Trade Administration Act. SARS's Customs and Excise division in turn uses the tariff codes to enforce the prohibitions or restrictions associated with a particular tariff code.

To assist DEA and the dti with the administration of this system, the relevant Multilateral Export Agreement (MEA) Convention secretariats will be requested to assist member countries to identify the relevant international tariff codes. Aligning mechanisms for import and export control with the MEAs is one of the central mechanisms to give effect to our international obligations.