Sars introduces new goods declaration system for those entering or leaving SA
The SA Revenue Service will next month pilot a new electronic declaration system for travellers entering or leaving the country to pre-acknowledge goods in their possession.
Sars said the declaration process, which it seeks to do electronically at all ports of entry from April next year, was in line with practices around the world and in compliance with the provision of the Customs and Excise Act.
The act makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the country to declare any goods in their possession.
Those who would have complied with the electronic declaration ahead of their departure or arrival, would be entitled to use what Sars calls “green lanes” at ports of entry.
Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter said he was confident this approach, already implemented in other countries such as the US, New Zealand and Australia, will help maintain the integrity of the domestic economy as well as contribute towards the integrity of the country’s financial system.
“All goods brought to the country or taken out of the country must comply with our laws and be properly accounted for,” Kieswetter said.
In terms of the laws, travellers are required to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving SA.
If such declarations are not made it would be an offence that may result in detention, forfeiture of the goods and possible criminal prosecution depending on the seriousness of the offence, Sars stated.
Kieswetter said a pilot implementation of the electronic online portal for travellers to make declarations on a voluntary basis, well ahead of their arrival or departure to or from SA, will initially be implemented at King Shaka International Airport next month.
He said the new system will allow travellers “to predeclare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired”.
“When fully implemented, the system will leverage pre-arrival data to enhance an effective risk-management approach, introduce automated arrival processes to provide a ‘green lane’ experience for compliant travellers,” Kieswetter said.
However, for travellers who opt not to use the online portal on their mobile devices, Sars will still make available a paper form, including self-service counters at airport terminals.
Kieswetter believes the process of pre-declaration will enable travellers to have swift and seamless movement when they arrive, and those departing will also experience a smooth boarding process.
He said SA “like other countries around the world has a responsibility to facilitate legitimate trade and travel in line with international standards by using risk manageme nt to manage the increasing number of trade and travel”.
“The new online traveller declaration system will, during the pilot phase, be finetuned based on insights gained as well as further engagement and feedback with various government departments and other stakeholders,” Kieswetter said.
The pilot forms part of the South African Traveller Management System, which is part of the broader Customs Modernisation Programme, that according to Sars, sought to provide “pre-clearance” as far as possible to travellers and facilitate passage through our ports.
Sars aims to create “SMART borders” by leveraging data and technology to create a seamless experience for legitimate traders and travellers at our ports of entry, while enhancing its detection capabilities to respond to any risks.