On 10 February 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that a survey would be distributed to a selected group of traders. On the Current Surveys, SMSes and emails webpage, see an extract of the cover letter for confirmation that it’s legit and not a scam. The survey will run from 13 to 28 February 2023.
The SARS’ Director: Customs Border Operations, Ports of Entry & Customs Compliance released the following letter to Traders on 09 February 2023.
Dear Trader
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is conducting a survey to measure your experience with Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) that are administered by Customs and Excise Division. The survey seeks to measure the extent to which Customs and Excise Division is effective and efficient towards trade facilitation across the following areas: Information availability, Involvement of the Trade Community (Consultations), Advanced rulings, Appeal procedures, Fees and charges, Formalities (documents, automation & procedures), Internal and External cooperation, Governance, and Impartiality to provide enhanced Trade Facilitation.
SARS is governed by the South African Revenue Service Act No. 34 of 1997 which guarantees taxpayers and traders information protection, confidentiality, and compliance with the POPI Act. Your enterprise has been identified as a critical stakeholder who engages with SARS for a wide range of trade-related business in the importation and exportation of goods and services. The findings of this survey are strictly for SARS use, and your name and address cannot be linked in any way to the answers you provide. Participation is completely anonymous.
You are therefore encouraged to use this opportunity to participate in this process. We further encourage you to kindly extend this invitation to the wider trading community to participate in the survey. The survey takes between 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and your participation will be highly appreciated. Should you have any enquiries or feedback, please contact Colbert Mbuyane, email CMbuyane@sars.gov.za or via cell phone at XXX.
Sincerely,
Director: Customs Border Operations, Ports of Entry & Customs Compliance
https://www.sars.gov.za/contact-us/current-surveys-smss-and-emails/