Digital integration is the way to go

Durban and Richards Bay remain critical gateways for southern Africa, but persistent congestion, manual clearance processes and compliance delays continue to place pressure on supply chain efficiency. “Growing investment in digital customs clearance and trade facilitation platforms could play a key role in reducing bottlenecks, improving compliance and strengthening the competitiveness of South Africa’s ports,” said Johan Eksteen, divisional manager for SGS Connectivity and Products. SGS has implemented advanced customs clearance and trade facilitation systems in the region aimed at enabling faster, more transparent and compliant cargo movement. “These platforms, built on the principles of a Single Window, integrate customs authorities, regulatory authorities and traders into a single streamlined digital environment,” Eksteen told Freight News. “The result is reduced clearance times, improved compliance and greater visibility across the supply chain.” Complementing this are SGS’s Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programmes, which ensure products meet regulatory standards before arrival – thereby further shortening clearance times and minimising costly port delays. “Together, these digital solutions demonstrate how technology can ease bottlenecks, enhance competitiveness and support regional integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).” Eksteen said there had been a definite increase in demand for digitalisation and automation in customs clearance in Durban and Richards Bay. “There is also heightened focus on compliance and risk management, while pressure to improve turnaround times in response to global supply chain volatility is increasing.” He said persistent congestion continued to cause delays, while manual clearance processes further slowed trade flows. “SGS sees significant potential in replicating Single Window- style platforms in South Africa. By integrating digital clearance systems with conformity assessment programmes, Durban and Richards Bay could position themselves as world- class logistics hubs, attracting greater trade volumes and investment,” he said. LV