'Ignore Customs accreditation at your peril'

Alan Peat
THERE ARE just too few hauliers yet accredited by customs under the new legislation, according to Tim Driman, m.d. of Durban-based road transporters, TLD Transport.
"Customs only allows those with a bond to pass documentation, and as far as I'm concerned, very few hauliers have registered themselves with a bond," he said.
"And the customs net is about to close."
It's not something that has happened without warning, Driman added.
"Nearly two years ago, the industry was up in arms over the proliferation of the "suitcase and cellphone brigade" amongst clearing and forwarding (c&f) agents," he said.
"The noise actually reverberated right through to customs who agreed. The SA Revenue Services (SARS) went on a nation-wide road show with the specific intention of inviting the c&f industry to join in discussion on how they could both become more professional and user-friendly."
The result, Driman added, has been the introduction of the accreditation of c&f agents, removers in bond , hauliers and warehousemen.
"This development should be welcomed by the professional companies who can stand up and be counted."
But, Driman warned, the fact is that the day when customs enforces these requirements is not far away.
"Those companies who decline to accept the opportunity, do so at their own peril," he said. "It's a business decision and the professionals will no doubt grasp it with both hands."