Customs appeals for co-operation on preclearance

PORTNET AND Customs have called on agents to ensure that all imported goods are precleared to assist in avoiding the clogging of harbours and airports which hampers the free movement of traffic.
They have pointed out that the governing Act facilitates this requirement, of clearing goods through customs in advance of their arrival in South Africa, by allowing copy documents to be used for customs purposes.
Failure to follow this procedure allows demurrages, storage, overstays and other penalties to accrue shortly after ships and aircraft arrive.
Clearing services are begun on the basis of documentation in advance of physical arrival of goods, and third party payments are made when documents are processed, not when the goods arrive, customs officials point out.