400 containers detained by Sars

During the 2013/2014 financial year the South African Revenue Services (Sars) detained 400 containers holding suspected counterfeit clothing, footwear and textiles,” finance minister Pravin Gordhan told parliament in his February 26 budget speech. “Sars overhauled its customs management system in August 2013. The new system is fully electronic and significantly reduces the administrative burden on importers and exporters while improving our ability to detect high-risk transactions and goods,” he said. Since its introduction, the system has processed goods valued at more than R1.7 trillion. According to Gordhan goods are moving more freely between South Africa and its neighbours: “Border management cooperation that started during the 2010 World Cup has deepened. “For example, one of the South African ports of entry is being prepared as a pilot for seamless border management, which will lead to enhanced border control and trade facilitation. “The one-stop border post at Lebombo will become operational shortly, once the remaining formalities have been concluded”. Tobacco smuggling has become big business. “During 2013 about R1bn worth of tobacco and cigarettes was seized from 15 non-compliant entities. Twelve criminal cases are being pursued,” he said. INSERT & CAPTION The one-stop border post at Lebombo will become operational shortly, once the remaining formalities have been concluded. – Pravin Gordhan INSERT R1 billion worth of tobacco and cigarettes was seized from 15 non-compliant entities during 2013.