Printing SA wishes to inform members that the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has amended its preliminary determination concerning the safeguard investigation into increased imports of A3 and A4 office paper. ITAC has issued an amended Report No. 791, together with correspondence dated 30 October 2026 inviting interested parties to comment on the amended determination.
This communique updates Printing SA’s previous communication and draws members’ attention to the revised application of the provisional measure and the new deadline for comments.
Government Gazette R55645, Notice R.8119, published on 30 October 2026, substitutes the schedule governing the provisional safeguard payment. The amended schedule specifies a 21% provisional payment on the covered paper imported from or originating in all countries. Members should therefore disregard the countries exclusions listed in Printing SA’s previous communique. The provisional payment remains applicable up to and including 3 May 2027, pending the finalisation of the investigation.
The amended schedule covers paper under tariff subheading 4802.56.20, in unfolded sheets measuring 420x297mm (A3), and tariff subheading 4802.56.90 in unfolded sheets measuring 297×210 mm (A4). Both descriptions cover paper weighing 40g/sqm to 150 g/sqm, not containing fibres obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process or containing no more than 10% of such fibres by mass of the total fibre content.
In its amended report, ITAC maintains its preliminary finding that increased imports have caused serious injury to the Southern African Customs Union industry and that critical circumstances justify provisional safeguard measures. This remains a preliminary determination and interested parties have an opportunity to submit comments before the investigation is finalised.
Members who import, distribute or use the affected paper are encouraged to review the amended documents and provide evidence of the potential impact on their businesses. Relevant information may include increased input costs, availability of suitable locally manufactured alternatives, supply constraints and the effect on pricing, competitiveness and employment.
Opportunity to Submit Comments
Written comments must reach ITAC by 3pm on Friday, 13 November 2026. ITAC has expressly advised that no further extension will be granted for comments on the amended preliminary determination.
Submissions must be addressed to the Senior Manager:
Trade Remedies I,
International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa
Block E, the DTI Campus
77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside,
Pretoria, 0001
Members are requested to consult the following documents when preparing their comments:
– Amended ITAC Report No. 791
– Government Gazette Notice
– ITAC Preliminary Determination Letter
Printing SA will continue to monitor developments relating to this investigation and keep members informed of any further determinations or regulatory changes that may affect the printing and paper industries.
PRINTING SA
+27 11 287 1160
info@printingsa.org
www.printingsa.org
