Customs Modernisation – another giant step

Today (June 10) sees the implementation of the next major set of changes by SA Revenue Service under the Customs Modernisation Programme. In November last year the entire declaration process was redesigned. This included moving from using purpose codes for declarations to procedure category and customs procedure codes. Throughout 2011, Sars has been working closely with various trade umbrella bodies and service providers to introduce a number of additional key changes, executive manager Beyers Theron told FTW. “Following the implementation of the Automated Cargo Management system (ACM) on May 6, the emphasis on increased data take-on and client registration will now be pursued,” said Theron. “In line with international practice, Sars requires that cargo be reported prior to arrival for the purposes of screening and risk assessment. Moreover, subsequent matching of cargo reports against customs clearances will provide assurances to both Customs and trade that all goods are accounted for and lawfully released. Sars will now be conducting campaigns in which they will visit companies within the relevant industries. This is seen as an awareness initiative designed to ensure that all operators are registered and aware of their cargo reporting obligations.” A new front-end system for Customs inspectors, including case management and a redesign of the inspection process, will be introduced. “Documentary inspections can now also be done anywhere in the country by any officer – thus minimising the possibility of collusion,” said Theron. In a move that the industry has welcomed, traders will no longer have to handdeliver clearance supporting documents to Customs. “Sars’ e@syFile™ software has been provided free of charge to service providers for integration into their trade applications. It will enable a customs broker, importer or exporter to directly upload supporting documents which Customs may require. The branch front end manual supporting document channel will remain available with some branches able to scan and upload documents whilst others will process manually,” he added. In addition, nine new Customs Procedure Code combinations will be added to those introduced in November last year. Changes to the information content of the current SAD forms used for declarations will also be introduced. The relevant system changes will be implemented over this coming weekend, starting on Friday night. For more information go to www.sars. gov.za, click on Customs and Border Control and then on the Customs Modernisation banner. Details around the implementation timelines will be on the website today.