Administration of Russian GSP System in SA Transferred to SARS

Published: 2 December 2009
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) would like to inform all exporters and their agents that the authorisation of Certificates of Origin (Form A) under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) of Russia has been transferred from the dti to the South African Revenue Services (Customs) as from yesterday, 1 December 2009. The Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation to include South Africa into its list of countries enjoying preferential duties was adopted in March 2003 and implemented with effect from 1 April 2003. GSP allows South African exporters to penetrate the Russian market for certain products at preferential rates of customs duties. Since the inception of the Russian GSP in South Africa in April 2003, the dti was responsible for the certification of SA exports to Russia. This was the last GSP to be administered by the dti and this transfer completes a process that was started in the early part of the decade to consolidate the administration of rules of origin. Exporters and their agents are advised to visit SARS offices for assistance on the administration of the GSP for Russia. Issued by: Communication and Marketing Unit, the dti Sidwell Medupe - Director: Media Relations and Publicity + 27 (0)12 394-1650/+27 (0) 73 522 6801 E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za