a large number of complaints from the textile retail sector and their associated forwarding agents, have been put before bodies as disparate as the BoT&T; TAFF (Transvaal Association of Freight Forwarders); SAAFF (SA Association of Freight Forwarders); and the SA Chamber of Business (SACOB) tariff and trade committee. A national group of importers/retailers has also got together under the guidance of a Johannesburg legal firm to express its own dissatisfaction with the new tariffs, and to attempt to put pressure on the up-to- now unrepentant Board.
Some forwarding agent's face the threat of having their import volumes reduced as clothing importers cut-back on orders under the new, high import duties.
The Customs Act however clearly states that it is the duty of the importer to ensure which tariff heading his goods fall under. It is, therefore, also implied that it is the importer's duty to raise objection when any tariff amendment is suggested.
