Accreditation goes hand in hand with tighter regulations

THE NEW “known customer” policy at SA Revenue Services (SARS) is not without its drawbacks, according to a source in the forwarding industry. “The customs accreditation process has caused a degree of confusion among importers and exporters,” he told FTW. One of the main objectives - of simplifying and speeding up the processing of documentation by customs for regular imports and exports - is being achieved by switching from the traditional paper-based entry system (where customs had to have sight of each-and-every document) to a paperless, electronic system. “In terms of electronic processing, customs will not necessarily wish to see documents for any particular consignment,” said the forwarder, “but will accept that the accredited agent who submitted the entry to them has done so correctly and truthfully in terms of the documents.” But this trust is backed by a wide-ranging agreement between customs and the accredited agent, he added. The agreement goes far beyond the traditional relationship between agents and customs and is backed by substantial guarantees and legal remedies. Above all, it requires a high level of professional integrity. Along with this accreditation process, there has been a general tightening up of customs regulations and requirements, added the forwarder. “One of these changes is that goods that are removed in bond (transported within SA without duty having been paid), will in future only be allowed to move on vehicles specifically approved by customs and will have to move against specific customs approved manifests,” he said. The transporter of the goods will also have to be registered as an approved “remover in bond”. “In practical terms,” said the forwarder, “if an importer sells goods in his bond store to a rebate manufacturer for example, physical transport of the goods between the seller and buyer will have to be by an approved carrier using an approved truck.”