On 21 August 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) invited comment on an application for an increase in the ‘General’ rate of customs duty from free of duty to 10% ad valorem duty on Aluminium Chlorohydrate (ACH), classifiable in tariff subheading 2827.32. Comment is due by 18 September 2026.
The application was lodged by MCFI International (Pty) Ltd, which offered the following background to the application:
- During 2024, ITAC considered its application for an increase in the ‘General’ rate of customs duty on ACH. An investigation was subsequently initiated on 23 August 2024 by publishing a Government Gazette notice inviting interested parties to submit comments on the application.
- ITAC subsequently made a recommendation to the trade, industry and competition minister regarding the application. The minister, however, referred ITAC’s recommendation back to ITAC for further investigation and consideration. In the referral, the minister requested that ITAC consider, inter alia, evolving market dynamics and updated trade data, which introduced new considerations regarding the competitive environment facing the domestic ACH industry.
- Pursuant to the minister’s referral, ITAC hereby invites all interested parties throughout the ACH value chain, including domestic manufacturers, importers, distributors, downstream users and any other interested parties, to submit comments, information and supporting evidence for consideration. Such submission will assist ITAC in developing a comprehensive understanding of the current condition of the domestic ACH industry, prevailing market conditions and any other relevant factors that may have bearing on ITAC’s further consideration of the matter.