The Kenya Ports Authority again renewed the free storage period for containers at its ports to help the shipping industry as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic (see 2105060007), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported Aug. 4. The new deadline is Oct. 20. Port users are entitled to up to 15 days of free storage for domestic export containers at most ports, up from the previous nine-day limit. The number of free storage days for import containers varies by port and type of container. Traders and exporters will be required to pay $30 to $90 per container, depending on the size, for goods stored beyond the free period. Traders will also face a $25 demurrage fee per day.
Uganda recently notified a draft standard for powdered silver cyprinid to the World Trade Organization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service said in a July 28 report. The standard specifies requirements and methods of sampling and testing for imported powdered silver cyprinid, a fish product that is intended for human consumption. Comments are due Sept. 24.
Oman recently announced new requirements for all cosmetics and personal care product imports, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported July 27. Under the measures, effective Aug. 1, all such importers must submit technical documents relating to their goods through the ministry’s digital platform for approval before the shipment arrives in Oman. The requirements will affect all importers of personal care products, including cosmetics, products for skin, dental and hair care, and deodorants. It will not apply to personal care products “used for rinsing.” The new requirements are aimed at preventing customs delays at Oman’s borders, the report said.
Egypt postponed the launch of its new advanced clearance cargo system (see 2106210004) from July 1 to Oct. 1 after requests from several companies and “diplomatic missions,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service said in a July 25 report. The cargo system, which was launched in a trial mode in April, will continue to be tested until the official launch, USDA said, adding that the delay will help traders better prepare and register with the system’s platforms. Egypt expects the new system to reduce the average clearance time from 28 days to one day.
Pakistan recently announced plans to eliminate taxes and duties on imported raw materials used to manufacture “exportable goods,” the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported July 26. The measures, effective Aug. 14, will apply to “raw materials, spare parts, components, equipment, plant and machinery.”
Tanzania recently introduced a Trade Information Portal to provide step-by-step procedures for imports and exports, including what documents are needed and associated costs, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported July 26. The portal will also give traders updated and accurate information on transited goods and help “eliminate all unnecessary and redundant bottlenecks for traders,” HKTDC said. The country expects the portal to “significantly improve” intra‑regional trade in East Africa and international trade.
South Africa suspended port operations at its Durban and Richards Bay ports after the logistics company overseeing operations declared force majeure this week, The Maritime Executive reported July 13. The company, Transnet, said it is concerned for the safety of its employees and their ability to travel after “days of violence” across the country. The violence has been caused by protests after South Africa’s former president was jailed in relation to a corruption probe.
Pakistan recently announced changes to duty rates on a range of luxury, agricultural and nonessential goods, including chocolate, overseas coffee brands, soft drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables, stationery and sanitary items, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported July 13. The revised duties, which took effect July 1, include both increases and decreases and also apply to certain imported raw materials used in the textile industry, HKTDC said. Pakistan also extended duty exemptions through Dec. 31 for 61 imported medical devices and equipment used to combat COVID-19.
Saudi Arabia recently amended its import rules for goods from other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported July 14. Saudi Arabia will exclude goods manufactured in GCC free zones from “preferential tariff concessions” and all goods made in the free zones no longer will be considered “locally made.” The country will also not extend preferential tariffs to imported items from GCC companies with fewer than 25% local employees and less than 40% added value after their transformation process in the GCC country, HKTDC said. The changes “reflect the increasing commercial competition between” between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as both countries pursue “similar non‑oil diversification activities.”
The United Arab Emirates recently issued a notice about antidumping duties on Gulf Cooperation Council imports of ceramic pavers and hearth, floor or wall tiles from India and China, KPMG said July 12. The rules in the notice, which took effect July 1, outline declaration requirements for paying antidumping duties, which range from 23.5% to 106%. The AD duty measures are applicable for five years beginning from June 6, 2020, KPMG said.