Big gap in policy implementation at ground level

Cross-border processes have been streamlined significantly over the past two years to allow for a far smoother operation than ever before. According to Gavin Kelly, spokesman for the Road Freight Association, whilst there are still challenges that exist in cross-border operations, various initiatives such as customs modernisation have made a difference. “We don’t have all that much on the radar when it comes to crossborder because of the streamlining of many processes,” he told FTW. “Electronic clearing has made a difference – and while there are operators who are of the opinion that it does not work as well there are others who say it has made a major difference and find it working extremely well.” He said ad hoc stops would, however, always remain a part of the cross-border landscape and so it would be unrealistic to think modernised pre-clearing systems would prevent vehicles from being stopped and searched by customs officials. “Also, more often than not, the problem is on the other side of the South African border posts. We don’t have true regional single clearing systems and so there are always going to be delays in the different countries – with trucks being stopped even if they have been pre-cleared.” Whilst there are many programmes and policies in place to facilitate and harmonise trade, ensuring goods are moved faster and more efficiently, the reality in southern Africa is that moving freight across borders remains a tricky business. Trade facilitation has moved to the top of the agenda of several countries in the region, but there is still a gap when it comes to policy implementation at ground level. “There is a lot of talk about how to improve the situation,” says Kelly, “from one stop border posts to clearing systems across countries, but in reality most of this is still far off and not a reality for operators moving cargo across the borders every day.”