Customs clarifies use of casual code

WATCH OUT how you use code 70707070! Only casual consignments of “non-commercial” goods may be cleared under code 70707070, and all “commercial” importers and exporters have to be registered with customs, a Safcor Panalpina spokesman told FTW. “Customs has confirmed that - with immediate effect - this code number may only be used by unregistered importers for the clearance of commercial shipments upon payment of a R2 500 provisional payment,” he said. “This will be refunded once completed registration applications have been received.” However, an additional R500 is required to cover a potential penalty, and will have to be paid where consignments are valued at more than R20 000.