Calls for the ban to be scrapped grow.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has published a request for comments from interested parties on key aspects of the Scrap Metals Policy.
These aspects include:
The proposal to extend the temporary prohibition of the export of certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal;
The extension of the temporary suspension of the Price Preference System insofar as it relates to certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap Metal;
A further restriction on the export of copper semi-finished products, and
Temporary prohibition of the export of used or second-hand rails and subject rails to Export Control.
On 15 June 2023, a trade policy directive and notice were published that ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal may not be exported from South Africa for six months from June to December 2023.
In addition, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) suspended the operation of the Price Preference System for the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal for the same period.
The trade directive and notice forms part of Phase 1 of the Policy Implementation Actions on Measures to Restrict and Regulate Trade in Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Waste, Scrap and Semi-Finished Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Products to Limit Damage to Infrastructure and the Economy published in Government Gazette No. 47627.
Last year Cabinet considered and approved a comprehensive package of measures to address damage to public infrastructure and the economy by restricting the trade of waste scrap and semi processed metals.
RASA says ban will kill business
Meanwhile South African recyclers are complaining that the Government could extend its ban on the export of scrap metal and introduce other measures which they claim ‘will kill business and the livelihoods of millions of South Africans.’
The Recycling Association of South Africa (RASA) has submitted its response to a consultation, noting ‘a huge outcry from the business sector, including the manufacturing and steel sectors, who have shown that the consequences on the ban have led to the creation of a distorted local market.’
RASA CEO Nancy Strachan adds: “The ban has also been an attributing factor in the closure and imminent closure of businesses in South Africa.”
Below is the link to the new gazette:
http://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Scrap-Metals-Gazette-49765.pdf
Comments can be hand delivered to the Director General of the dtic at 77 Meintjies Street, BlockA, 1st floor, Sunnyside, Pretoria or via email on scrapmetalpolicy2023@thedtic.gov.za.
