Manual for the Completion of Declarations The South African Revenue Service (Sars) Customs Border Management has issued an Internal and External Manual for the Completion of Declarations dated 23 December 2010. The manual describes the completion and presentation of declarations when: (i) Goods are imported; (ii) Removed in transit/ bond; (iii) Exported from the local market or ex warehouse; and (iv) When goods are moved between South Africa and the BLNS countries (Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) countries i.e. Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland). The purpose is also to ensure uniform implementation of Customs procedures in the Customs declaration process. According to Sars the manual combines the attributes of previously separate manuals accommodating import, export and cross border requirements. These guidelines take account of both current and future implementing provisions and procedures. Where necessary both current and future ‘coding’ or terminology is used. Customs General Refund Errors Guide Sars Customs Border Management issued its Reference Guide Customs General Refund Errors. The purpose of the Reference Guide is to lower the high refund rejection rate by spelling out the reasons why the refund/ drawback applications are rejected by Sars. Sars points out that the turnaround time on refund/ drawback applications is impacted by the high rejection rate. Tips for Budget 2011 During the course of last week National Treasury issued the following press release: “South Africans are reminded to send Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan their tips on what they would like to see in the country’s budget. This year, the Minister would specifically like to get the country’s views on how South Africa can achieve an economic growth rate of 7% a year over the next 20 years. South Africans are also encouraged to send through tips on how this growth can be made more inclusive i.e. spread to more people, thus reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality. The budget tips campaign is run throughout the year and ensures active participation in government programmes, especially matters related to the economy. Minister Gordhan will present the 2011 budget to Parliament on 23 February 2011 at 2pm. Tips can be sent to National Treasury website: www.treasury.gov.za; Fax : 012 315 5126; Post : Private Bag X115, Pretoria, 0001; and Facebook : Pravin Gordhan’s fan page”. Duty Calls’ “Watch List” Future amendments: Anti-dumping duty on paper insulated lead covered electric cables originating in or imported from India. Tariff application for the amendment of the tariff subheadings for monitors. Tarff application for amendment of Rebate Item for canned pineapples. Rules for the Electricity Levy (Schedule No.1 Part 3B to the Act). Rules for spirits, vermouth, and wine (Rules to Section 38 to the Act).
