Shein grew to become the worlds largest fashion retailer as of 2022. (Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SA’s largest apparel businesses and union representatives have welcomed the government clampdown on de minimus rules that have allowed Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu to bring goods into the country at a lower cost than rivals.
From 1 July, parcels Chinese retailers brought in of below R500 would be taxed at exactly the same rate that local clothing retailers paid, namely 45% plus VAT. This comes amid accusations they have essentially been using an extremely high number of small orders in order to pay lower duties.
“What we would say about this is … at last,” said Michael Lawrence, executive director of the National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF) on Monday.
South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we’re about to enter a new chapter of fearless journalism. Join our free subscription trial to unlock this story and a world of news aimed to inform, empower, and inspire.
