Botswana and SA in talks over Customs quarrel

The Gaborone Container Terminal (Gabcon) has launched an investigation after South African customs officials detained several containers from Botswana in Mafikeng. According to Modise Koofhethile, managing director of Gabcon, the cargo was held up due to South African customs officials wanting clearance documentation for the goods in South Africa. Clearance for export had been completed in Botswana with the containers then loaded onto rail before being moved through Mafikeng to the Port of Durban. “But we have now had several situations where our containers have been stopped in Mafikeng, with South Africa’s customs officials saying all cargo moving through South Africa must be cleared in South Africa,” Koofhethile told FTW. “Essentially this means we will now have to have two sets of clearance documents instead of just the one as has been the case and that will have a major cost implication. At the same time it could be construed as South Africa not trusting the other Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) partners.” He said it was unclear why the cargo had to be cleared in Mafikeng and could not just move on the through bill of lading. “You will need two clearing agents if South Africa insists on this procedure – one in Botswana and one in Mafikeng. The opposite would become true as well. Cargo destined for Botswana arriving in Durban would have to be cleared at the port first and then again in Botswana.” He said this had never occurred in the past and they were taking the matter seriously. They have talked with Botswana Unified Revenue Services (Burs) who will investigate and engage with the South Africa Revenue Services (Sars). “We are hoping that this was just a possible misunderstanding and that it is not an indication of what is to come.” South Africa has been in the spotlight for some time now as the country awaits the promulgation of its new customs laws. INSERT We have now had several situations where our containers have been stopped in Mafikeng - Modise Koofhethile