22/10/2022
Earlier this week, SARS announced the introduction of an online traveller declaration system. SARS believes that this is a step towards improving the integrity of trade and traveller facilitation as part of implementing Smart Borders.
Below are some questions and answers, excerpts, from a recent press release by SARS for ease of reference.
Why is this being implemented?
The need for compliance with the provision of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 which makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the Republic to declare any goods in their possession.
Full details of prohibited and restricted goods are available on the SARS website (www.sars.gov.za). It is a traveller's responsibility to comply and failure to make a proper declaration as required under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, is an offence that may result in the detention and forfeiture of the goods not declared and accompanying goods, imposition of an administrative penalty and/or criminal prosecution depending on the seriousness of the offence.
When is implementation starting?
During November 2022, SARS will launch a pilot implementation of an electronic online portal for travellers to make declarations on a voluntary basis, well ahead of their arrival or departure to/from South Africa.
Where will this be happening?
The pilot will initially be implemented at the King Shaka International Airport during the month of November 2022 and progressive implementation across all South African ports of entry will commence from 1 April 2023.
What can travellers do on the traveller declaration system?
The new system will allow travellers to pre-declare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired.
What will happen if a traveller does not use the online traveller declaration system?
Travellers who have not submitted pre-declarations will still be allowed to enter or leave the Republic, but they are encouraged to voluntarily declare pre-departure or arrival to avoid the inconvenience of making a declaration at a port of entry. SARS will, in good faith, regard travellers who choose not to complete a declaration to have nothing to declare.
For travellers who choose not to use the online portal on their mobile devices, SARS will make available a paper form as well as self-service counters at departure terminals.
A number of Customs Officers will also have hand-held devices to assist travellers and facilitate passage. Travellers will be permitted to continue to use the traveller's card if they so choose.
Travellers may be at risk, should they be stopped and searched by a SARS Customs official, and it is discovered that they ought to have made a declaration.
What are the benefits of the online traveller declaration system?
SARS is of the view that the process of pre-declaration will enable travellers to have a swift and seamless movement when they arrive, and those departing, will also experience a smooth boarding process.
This new system, which is an improvement on the current manual completion of traveller declaration forms, will make it easy and simple for travellers to comply with their legal obligations.
Provides clarity to travellers on their obligations and makes it easy to comply.
When fully implemented, the system will leverage pre-arrival data to enhance an effective risk management approach, and introduce automated arrival processes to provide a “green lane” experience for compliant travellers while enabling, at a later stage, the online payment of appropriate duties seamlessly.
The automation of the process also has the added benefit of dealing with traveller information in a more secure manner.
Attached is a Travellers' Guide on Customs requirements for travel to or from the Republic of South Africa which can be found here.
We will share any new details on this new system as we receive them in the coming days/weeks.
