Sars’ Strategic Plan
2017/2018
The South African Revenue
Service (Sars) annually
releases two ‘plan’ documents,
a strategic plan, and an
annual performance plan.
We reported on the latter’s
release, but the strategic plan
2017/2018 - 2021/2022 has
yet to be released.
Under the title,
‘Developments in the global
tax and customs environment’,
it reads “New Customs Acts
- During the 2017/18 fiscal
period, Sars will continue with
the design and development
of the necessary processes,
policies, procedures and
systems in preparation for
the implementation of the
provisions of the new Customs
Acts. The focus of Sars
activities during 2017/18 will
be on ensuring an effective
and efficient process for
Registration, Licensing and
Accreditation, and Reporting
Conveyance and Goods.”
In Sars’ point xviii
‘Increased Customs
and Excise Compliance
Commitments’ for its 2016/17
financial year released on
05 September 2016, point
15 reads “(xv) Continue the
development of processes
and systems to support
the implementation of the
Customs Control Act, 2014
and Customs Duty Act,
2014. We will develop and
implement the processes
and systems incrementally
and with co-operation
and participation from the
business community. The Acts
will be made effective once
the processes and systems are
stable to ensure the minimum
impact on the flow of trade
and the economy. By the
end of March 2017, Sars will
implement phase 1 of the
programme, which comprises
Registration, Licensing and
Accreditation (RLA).”
Upholstered furniture
rebate
On 07 July, the International
Trade Administration
Commission of South
Africa (Itac) released its
four-page guidelines, rules
and conditions pertaining
to fabrics imported in
terms of rebate items
320.01/5407.61/01.06,
320.01/5903.20.90/02.08
and
320.01/5907.00.90/02.08
for the manufacture of
upholstered furniture. Please
note that permits should
be applied for and received
before the goods concerned
are shipped.
The next Itac chief
The Economic Development
Department (EDD) on 07
July published a call for
nominations for the post
of Itac chief commissioner,
which close on 21 July. The
appointment is for a term of
five years commencing on 01
January 2018. The successful
candidate will receive an
annual salary package of
between R1 299 501 to R1 463
892.
Customs Duty Rules
3rd Draft
On 06 July Sars released the
third draft of the Customs
Duty Rules to the Customs
Duty Act 30 of 2014 for sight
only.
Duty Calls Watch List
Comment on the proposed
increase in the ‘general’ rate of
customs duty on self-adhesive
biaxially oriented polymers of
propylene is due by 15 July.
Comment on the proposed
reduction in the ‘general’ rate
of Customs duty on digital
smart cards, the reference to
persons with disabilities, and
the reduction in the period
within which a vehicle may
not be disposed of is due by
30 July.
Comment on the draft
deferment rules to the
Customs Duty Act, 2014, Part
2 of Chapter 3, by 31 July.
