First set of comments on new customs rules submitted

Industry has successfully submitted its comments on the first nine chapters (Chapters 1, and 3 to 10) of customs rules guiding the country’s new customs legislation. Fifty four chapters of customs rules guiding the new Customs Duty Act and the Customs Control Act will require comment. Only the Rules for Chapters 1 and 3 to 10 have been published, but the next set of chapters is expected within the next week. According to the South African Revenue Service, the aim is to see all the rules and regulations published before the end of the year in an effort to see the new legislation become operational in early 2015. Industry will have anything from two to three weeks to comment on the rules as and when they are published. The end of August has been earmarked for comments for the second and third phase, with the second phase alone covering chapters 11 to 20 plus 24. According to an industry source, not enough industry stakeholders are presently involved in the commentary on these rules, which may result in certain important issues being overlooked, with potentially disastrous consequences for the South African economy. “There is no involvement from roleplayers such as shipping lines or the road freight industry for instance,” he said. “And while they may believe this legislation has no bearing on them, the fact is it does affect them and we as customs experts can’t really comment on how the changes are going to affect their operations. We need their input.” A working group has been established by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saafff) to examine the rules with a fine-tooth comb while various independent customs experts are also believed to be giving input. “This is our last chance to make changes to this legislation that will have a major impact on trade if we don’t get it right,” said the source. INSERT The aim is to have all the rules and regulations published before the end of the year in an effort to see the new legislation become operational in early 2015.