Jannie Kriel
Tel: 082 852 3257
Email: janniekriel@gmail.com
Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL)
Country of Origin Labelling was originally incorporated under the Merchandise Marks Act.
CoOL is compulsory in South Africa in terms of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Which superceded and incorporated the former merchandise marks Act. This includes footwear made in South Africa, as well as footwear that is imported. For further information refer to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) www.gov.za
Trade Policy
SAFLIA represents the industry at various institutions concerned with trade issues. The main area is trade negotiations which are dealt with at The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), at its sub-committee known as The Technical Sectorial Liaison Committee (Teselico).
SAFLIA is represented at Teselico through its membership of The South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SACCI).
With regard to trade negotiations, there are 2 forms, namely; multilateral arrangements and bilateral arrangements. The multilateral arrangements primarily involve negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Bilateral arrangements involve direct negotiations with specific countries. Recently the majority of these Agreements are developed as a South African Customs Union (SACU) position. SACU comprises the Republic of Botswana, then Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Developments regarding the various trade agreement negotiations are summarised in the specific categories.
Illegal Imports
An arrangement exists with a training professional to train Customs Officials at the various key border posts on product knowledge regarding footwear.
Customs Training
SAFLIA is formally registered with the Department of Labour as a national employer organisation in terms of the Labour Relations Act. The Constitution makes provision for three separate sections, viz. Footwear Manufacturing Section, Supplier Section and the Tanning Section.