Cross-border challenges demand specialist understanding

Interpretation of regulations varies from border to border JOY ORLEK THERE’S NO substitute for experience when it comes to cross-border road transport where the challenges in terms of infrastructure, customs regulations and the like demand in-depth understanding of the market and its requirements. “Interpretation is the key,” says Hazel Briggs of freight brokers HB Services. “The situation can become very frustrating when the interpretation of Customs regulations varies from border post to border post.” The Durban to Mozambique route is a case in point, says Briggs. “Durban Customs insist that they receive a Customs stamped manifest along with any acquitted documents. “This is fine for full loads, but on consolidations there may be two or three agents or forwarders, each with shipments to different importers. Real problem “If only one Customs-stamped manifest is provided the other two forwarders have a very real problem. We have experienced this at first hand and no amount of pleading that the Customs stamps on the manifest match the ones on the acquitted bills of entry will suffice.” The importer cannot afford logistics delays – there are far too many other challenges to his production schedule, says Briggs. “There’s a critical time factor from placing orders in South Africa to applying for forex to pay for the order while still allowing for manufacturing time by the South African supplier. “We only dispatch cargo on approval from the importer or his agent in order to avoid any delays in clearing at borders, and this means a finely-tuned operation which has forced us to dispense with the idea of using rail transport. “This will only become an option once we are assured that the service and security are significantly improved.”