Pulp & Paper Sector: ITAC Initiates Comprehensive Trade Policy Review

Posted 17 September 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Trade

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the International Trade Administration Act, No. 71 of 2002, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has published a notice initiating a sector-wide review of the paper and paper products market.

The investigation aims to evaluate current market conditions and formulate recommendations on appropriate trade policy instruments — including potential customs tariff adjustments, rebates, or trade remedies — designed to strengthen industrial resilience and long-term sustainability across the domestic value chain.

According to ITAC, the domestic pulp and paper industry is currently facing severe economic strain. The notice warns that without strategic policy interventions, the domestic economy faces risks including:

  • Loss of significant industrial manufacturing investments;
  • Widespread retrenchments and contracting employment opportunities; and
  • Threats to the economic sustainability of rural communities that depend heavily on forestry and processing operations.

Stakeholders, manufacturers, importers, and industry associations are invited to submit their representations and complete the sector questionnaire by 15 October 2026.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Trade advisors and legal practitioners must review ITAC’s sector questionnaires to benchmark industry-specific cost, import, and production data on behalf of affected operators.
  • For your business: Pulp, paper, packaging, and printing enterprises must evaluate their exposure to import competition and prepare data-driven representations before the 15 October 2026 deadline to influence future tariff and rebate frameworks.
  • For your clients: Importers and industrial users of imported paper inputs should audit tariff subheadings under Chapters 47 and 48 of the Customs and Excise Act, No. 91 of 1964, anticipating potential import tariff increases or revised rebate facilities.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/pulp-paper-sector-input-sought-for-itac-review

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