SA to host the official meeting of SACU-MERCOSUR

South Africa will host the inaugural Joint Administration Committee (JAC) of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) in Kempton Park, Gauteng from 25-26 May 2017.

South Africa is party to the PTA between SACU and MERCOSUR. The SACU-MERCUSOR PTA entered into force on 1 April 2016. The JAC is responsible for the implementation of the agreement and for resolving any issues pertaining to the implementation of the agreement.

The PTA is the first trade agreement concluded by SACU as a single entity, following the SACU Agreement of 2002

According to the Deputy Director-General of International Trade and Economic Development at the dti, Ms Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, the SACU-MERCUSOR PTA was signed on 15 December 2008 in Salvador, Brazil, on the side of MERCOSUR, and on 3 April 2009 in Maseru, Lesotho, on the side of SACU.

“The PTA is the first trade agreement concluded by SACU as a single entity, following the SACU Agreement of 2002. This agreement is also the first with another developing region, giving meaning to the objectives of South-South cooperation” says Ms Mlumbi-Peter.

Ms Mlumbi-Peter adds that the Preferential Trade Agreement covers over 1000 tariff lines from each side and the preference margins range between 100% and 10%. In addition, SACU offered a Tariff Rate Quota on four agricultural products (soya beans, soya bean oil and sunflower) to MERCOSUR. The tariff preferences can be accessed from the website link: apo.af/U5ScMs.

The agreement is being administered by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) on behalf of South Africa. For any enquiries on clearance procedures under this Preferential Agreement, traders can contact SARS at Tel: 0800 007277, e-mail: [email protected].

Read Full Story