Cross border co-operation reduces border delays

Closer co-operation between the Mozambican and South African customs authorities is helping to reduce delays at the main border posts, according to Michael Henning, general manager of Easyclear. “The close working relationship between Sars and the Mozambique revenue authority has resulted in some understandings and established data communications in line with the one-stop border project. “I expect to see complete data communications between the two countries, further enhancing the turnaround time for customs clearances at Lebombo in the very near future,” he says. While the company is not active in Mozambique, “we facilitate the movement of trade through Lebombo and other neighbouring ports to Mozambique. Our clients make up the bulk of the road freight through Lebombo to the port of Maputo and beyond,” he says. Henning says electronic data interchange (EDI) systems will continue to help goods to f low faster to and from South Africa along the region’s transport corridors. “The fast pace of technology development has determined and shaped the future of customs clearing, as is evident through the Sars modernisation process. “Easyclear is developing modules and capabilities to provide visibility across the supply chain using mobile and broadband web-based and cloud technology,” he says. Clients can now track progress online using smart phones and other mobile devices and include web based tracking and SMS update facilities for shipment status. INSERT & CAPTION I expect to see complete data communications between the two countries, further enhancing the turnaround time for customs clearances at Lebombo in the very near future. – Michael Henning