ITAC Initiates Review of Sugar Dollar-Based Reference Price

Posted 22 January 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Trade

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has commenced a self-initiated investigation into the dollar-based reference price (DBRP) for sugar.

In terms of the International Trade Administration Act, No. 71 of 2002, ITAC is conducting this review to determine the most appropriate regulatory course of action regarding sugar import duties. The investigation follows divergent applications from the South African Sugar Association, which applied for an increase in the DBRP to protect local industry sustainability, and the Beverage Association of South Africa, which applied for a decrease to reduce the impact of duties on downstream producers and consumers.

ITAC has noted that these applications will not be considered as standalone processes. Instead, the information provided by both associations will be assessed solely within the framework of this self-initiated review. The investigation aims to align the DBRP mechanism with the Sugar Industry Value Chain Masterplan 2030, to which both applicant groups are signatories.

Key stakeholders affected by this investigation include:

  • Local sugar growers and millers;
  • Beverage producers and bottlers;
  • Downstream sugar industry stakeholders; and
  • Importers of sugar and sugar-containing products.

Stakeholders and interested parties are required to submit their representations and relevant information to ITAC by 5 March 2026.

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

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; impact is limited to professional advisory roles for entities within the trade and manufacturing sectors.
  • For your business: Firms operating in the beverage manufacturing or food processing sectors must monitor this investigation as changes to the DBRP directly affect the cost of raw materials and the level of protection against imports.
  • For your clients: Clients within the sugar value chain should be advised to prepare substantive submissions to ITAC before the 5 March 2026 deadline to ensure their specific economic interests and cost-impact data are considered in the final determination.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/sugar-industry-dollar-based-reference-price-investigation-under-way

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