Customs modernisation speeds up clearance times

The modernisation of South African Customs operations has gone a long way to improving clearance times and fast forwarding the movement of goods to neighbouring countries, says Warren Jayes, managing director of Leo Shipping. “The introduction of the EDI system has helped speed up South African customs clearance times,” he told FTW. The EDI system is all about improving and increasing trade by reducing document processing tasks and costs. It also no doubt improves the entire supply chain by organising the flow of information from one end to the other. “The new system that has been implemented that makes the Form F178 (an exchange control declaration) redundant should also have a positive impact as it will reduce exporters’ time spent preparing documentation.” Leo Shipping, which together with its Zimbabwe partners Alro Shipping runs a fleet of trucks between Johannesburg, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and the DRC, is well aware of the importance of efficient customs operations. “Efficiency is about good planning and understanding of customs systems on both sides of the border,” says Jayes. Leo Shipping also offers a consolidation service between Johannesburg and Zimbabwe with warehouses in Johannesburg and Harare. “It is important to ensure that all necessary customs criteria are met prior to the movement of cargo,” says Jayes. “The biggest challenge that we have to overcome when it comes to moving cargo across borders is prompt customs clearances on both sides. The smooth facilitation of this process will avoid standing time that ultimately increases costs.”