Consulting Forum of the Coatings Sector

Import/Export Forum Of The Coatings SectorMandate & ObjectivesAdvocacy & Lobbying Role

IMPORT/EXPORT FORUMmandate & objectivesadvocacy & lobbying role

The Consulting Forum has been established as the formal representative structure for both internal and external consulting professionals who operate across the full value chain of the Coatings Sector — including suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and contractors.

This Forum brings together a diverse community of subject matter experts, enabling structured consultation, peer collaboration, and industry-wide problem-solving on matters of strategic and operational significance to the sector.

The Consulting Forum exists to:

  • Facilitate expert engagement on cross-cutting issues relevant to the performance, compliance, and innovation of the Coatings Sector
  • Enable collaborative input into proposals and policies impacting business operations, product development, supply chain dynamics, regulatory compliance, and trade
  • Establish a consultative mechanism that connects consultants with companies, industry associations, and sector initiatives

All discussions within the Forum are grounded in the recognised professional mandates and areas of expertise of its participants, ensuring that all contributions are credible, relevant, and practical.

Operating in its capacity as a recognised Professional Body, the South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA) will formally recognise and endorse Professional Practitioners within the Consulting Forum, based on their category of practice and contribution to the sector.

Examples of recognised practitioner categories include:

  • Paint Chemists and Formulation Experts
  • Internal Process Improvement Consultants (within manufacturing firms)
  • External Industrial and Technical Consultants serving multiple companies
  • Import/Export Compliance and Logistics Professionals
  • Retail and Distribution Strategy Advisors
  • Product Testing, Standards, and Compliance Consultants

This recognition supports sector credibility, promotes professional development, and helps align consulting practice with national and international standards.

By joining the Consulting Forum, professionals gain access to:

  • A national platform for professional visibility and influence
  • A collaborative space to contribute to sector development and policy input
  • SAPMA-facilitated recognition and credibility as a trusted expert
  • Industry-wide networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge insights

Mandate And Objectives

  • Disseminate critical trade information to member companies
  • Facilitate structured feedback and mandates on government proposals affecting tariffs, duties, logistics, and compliance
  • Serve as a consultation and mobilisation hub for lobbying efforts on trade policy and related issues

The Consultant Forum plays a pivotal role in representing the Coatings Sector on complex matters such as:

  • Customs and Excess regulations administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS)
  • International trade protocols and compliance frameworks.
  • Export incentives and rebates.
  • Non-Tariff Barriers and cross-border documentation.
  • Product certification and standards impacting import/export flows.

Advocacy And Lobbying Role

  •   The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
  • The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
  • EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreements.
  • Bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations with relevance to coatings products.

Through coordinated action, the Forum enables SAPMA and its members to influence trade policy, reduce trade friction, and increase market access across borders.

  • Importers of raw materials, solvents, additives, and equipment.
  • Exporters of paint, coatings, and allied products.
  • Companies managing international logistics, freight forwarding, and customs clearance.
  • Professionals responsible for regulatory compliance in international trade.

  • Early access to policy changes, trade agreements, and regulatory shifts.
  • Influence on lobbying campaigns and sectoral representation in government structures.
  • Platform to escalate and address SARS-related challenges and customs disputes.
  • Peer collaboration and sharing of best practices in cross-border trade.