Apparel manufacturers clarify stand on customs stops

Mr Quintus van der Merwe, in a recent article published in the FTW, shared wideranging observations regarding customs enforcement but unfortunately expressed some views that could be misinterpreted by your readers and other stakeholders. It is imperative that this is clarified and contextualised. Apparel Manufacturers of South Africa is unequivocal in its support for the efforts by Sars Customs to deal in an uncompromising manner with any person or business entity who does not play by the rules. There can and should be no compromise in this regard. I am not aware of a customs authority worth its salt anywhere in the world who would think and act otherwise. World trade is a rules-based system. So are constitutional democracies where the separation of powers of the state is respected in word and deed. This cannot be in dispute and I am certain is not what Mr Van der Merwe sought to suggest. Simply put, the rules are there to ensure fairness. Without diligent enforcement and inspection, unfairness, illegal activity and corruption prevails. Having said this, we do need to guard against arbitrary action by any enforcement agency and, most certainly, conduct that results in commercial prejudice without some reasonable cause in the first instance. It is unavoidable that unintended consequences may from time to time arise in circumstances such as ours. We need to engage constructively, share information and expertise and most importantly, keep our eye on the ball. Illegal trade and customs fraud is the single biggest threat to our collective commitment to fight poverty and create domestic manufacturing jobs in South Africa. Stakeholder consensus and support for the efforts demonstrated by Sars Customs in this regard, should never be in doubt. As always, Amsa is open to suggestions and willing to participate in any appropriate engagement to improve operating procedures where we are able to add value. Johann Baard, executive director, Apparel Manufacturers of SA.