The South African Revenue Service (Sars) is undergoing a significant digital transformation, placing greater emphasis on online systems. However, the migration process onto eFiling has encountered some hurdlesalong the way.According to Clifford Evans, customs liaison manager at Berry & Donaldson, at the last count in November, there were still about 13 400 outstanding applications. “There seem to have been several complexities in migrating onto eFiling via onboarding,” he said. “Sars, however, feel that they have provided a reasonable timeframe for traders to comply and have thus begun suspending licences and registration for non-compliance.”Evans said the industry needed to move onto the new Sars platforms as quickly as possible. “Just as important is becoming an Approved Economic Operator (AEO). Over time, this will become a requirement rather than an option,” he added. “Clearing and forwarding agents with AEO status will have a significant advantage over those not approved, making it difficult for the latter to attract new business locally and internationally. Best practice would, therefore, be to begin the application process sooner rather than later to stay ahead of competitors.”He said the benefits of the AEO programme would impact companies both financially and operationally. “This programme should not be underestimated by companies wanting to expand and grow their business.”Sars has consistently advocated the advantages of attaining AEO status. These include exemptions from certain customs supervisions and security payments; allowances for expedited refunds and drawbacks; reduced cyclical compliance audits for licensees; and fewer inspections for compliance and supply chain security.Evans said staying abreast of the changes was imperative as they were inevitable and could have significant implications, especially if South Africa implemented a single window system. “Once fully implemented, with all other government agencies linked to the single window, all import and export documents will have to be submitted once. In addition, inspections by more than one agency will be coordinated, manual interventions will be eradicated, and the free f low of goods will become the norm rather than the exception. “Using advanced technology such as drones, autonomous vehicles and automated processes will also significantly impact how the industry will operate.”
