This manual has been compiled and published by the South African Iron & Steel Institute (SAISI), with the assistance of its members as part of a continuous support programme to Customs and Excise to enhance the quality of statistical data and to combat illegal trade activities in respect of steel imports and exports.

The South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI) takes pride in publishing this second edition of the Steel Manual for Product Identification. The first edition, published in July 2003, was well received and proved to be very useful. With the publication of this second edition the primary steel industry once again demonstrates continued commitment to, and support of, the indispensable role of Government, through Customs and Excise, in providing an equitably regulated international trade interface with our trading partners.

In this edition several references to dumping duties that have expired or were repealed by Government, have been removed. Additional information on especially tubes and pipes has also been added. The most noticeable change, however, is the removal of the standard 5% ad valorem import duty on all primary steel products, as this duty was repealed by the Minister of Trade and Industry as of 30 May 2006.

Use of the manual will enhance the ability of officials of Customs and Excise to correctly identify internationally traded steel products in the course of their duties.

Correct product identification is pivotal to the compilation of a reliable database on which international trade statistics are based. The accuracy of the database underpins the veracity of the statistics used for, amongst other purposes, petitions brought by local industry for remedial action by Government against unfair or illegal imports into South Africa.

Inaccurate statistics could totally negate the efforts of industry to prove dumping and / or injury when such petitions are considered by South Africa's International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC). Products unfairly or illegally imported have a direct undermining effect on the economy leading to a loss in domestic sales by local producers which will put jobs at risk, and will result ultimately in avoidable unemployment and socio-economic decay.

Accurate statistics, based on correct product classification, contribute to the image of South Africa as a fair and reliable trading partner contributing eventually to the well being of all South African citizens.