Legislation: Scrap metal preferential pricing directive extended

The validity of a high quality ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal preferential pricing directive, in place since 2013, has been extended for a another nine months, ending 31 March 2020. Announced on Friday in the Government Gazette, the extension will allow National Treasury and the Departments of Trade & Industry and Economic Development time to explore the merits or otherwise of introducing an export tax on certain categories of waste and scrap. Pam Saxby, writing for Legalbrief Policy Watch, notes the possibility of issuing an amended directive at the end of that period has apparently not been ruled out. Since the policy intention underpinning the directive has not changed, any new measure introduced will seek to promote local scrap metal beneficiation.

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