Gazette and Newsflash 15 -22 May 2026

AGRICULTURE

The R35/ton Winter Cereal Levy (wheat, barley, oats) is up for renewal. If not extended, it lapses 30 September 2026. Comments are due 29 May 2026 — a very tight window for the grain industry.

COMPANIES

CIPC has issued a formal public warning: all registered companies must keep director information current within 10 business days of any change. This is existing law — CIPC is enforcing it. Audit your CIPC records now.

CUSTOMS, EXCISE & FUEL — MAJOR IMPACT

Five significant amendments in one gazette week:

1.   Fuel levies increase in two stages — petrol rises to 279c/li from 3 June 2026, then jumps again to 429c/li from 1 July 2026. Two separate gazettes, two system updates required.

2.   Diesel refund rates updated for farmers, mines, fishing fleets, rail operators and large power generators — effective 1 July 2026. If you’re not claiming, you’re leaving money behind.

3.   Indonesia safeguard duties extended to May 2027 — importers of affected goods must continue paying.

4.   Wheat and flour import duties updated — 15.37c/kg (grain) and 23.05c/kg (flour), effective immediately. SADC remains duty-free.

5.   Steel duty rebates expanded — 13 new categories added under Rebate Item 460.15 for manufacturers unable to source locally. ITAC permits required.

6.   Agricultural trade permits (SADC EPA, EU EPA, AGOA, WTO) — fee set at R1,840 per permit for 2026/27. No refunds under any circumstances.

ENERGY & PETROLEUM

NERSA’s new Petroleum Pipelines Act Rules, 2026 are in force from 15 May 2026, replacing the 2019 rules entirely. Anyone with a pipeline, storage depot or loading facility licence must comply immediately — seven new mandatory forms, strict application procedures, and enforcement powers.

FINANCE

National Treasury has extended the comment deadline on the Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 to 30 June 2026. Any business with cross-border financial exposure should review and engage — submissions are public record under PAIA.

ARTICLES WORTH READING

Water Amendment Bill — “use it or lose it” principle proposed; unused licences may be revoked; private water trading to be banned; Minister gets new cross-provincial reallocation powers.

ConCourt ruling on Certificates of Need — Sections 36–40 of the National Health Act declared unconstitutional. A central pillar of NHI implementation has fallen.

Attorneys’ 3-year waiting period — Gauteng High Court declares it unconstitutional; matter referred to ConCourt for confirmation.

Public Procurement Act — Western Cape and City of Cape Town challenge heard in ConCourt; Act not yet in operation and may be set aside on procedural grounds.