PRETORIA – The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is inviting comments from the public on its Scrap Metals Policy, which includes proposals aimed at regulating the trade of waste scrap and semi-processed metals.

According to South African Government News Agency, the dtic is focusing on several key aspects of the policy. These include proposals 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 as it pertains to these materials, further restrictions on exporting copper semi-finished products, and the temporary prohibition of exporting used or second-hand rails, subjecting them to Export Control.

The initiative follows the publication of a trade policy directive and notice on 15 June 2023, which barred the export of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal from South Africa for six months, from June to December 2023. Additionally, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) suspended the operation of the Price Preference System for the exportation of these materials during the same period.

These actions are 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, aimed at limiting damage to infrastructure and the economy. This broader policy initiative was approved by the Cabinet last year to address the harm caused to public infrastructure and the economy by the unrestricted trade in these materials.

The dtic has provided a link to the new gazette for detailed information: http://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Scrap-Metals-Gazette-49765.pdf.

Interested parties can submit their comments either by hand delivery to the Director General of the dtic at their office in Pretoria or via email at scrapmetalpolicy2023@thedtic.gov.za. This consultation process is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders and the public in shaping effective trade and industry policies.