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.”