On 16 April 2026, the South African Revenue Service announced the upcoming enforcement of the requirement for all foreign-registered motor vehicles, including those from Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries, to complete a temporary importation declaration upon entering South Africa.
The letter of the SARS’ Head: Land Modality to Traders/Agents/Travellers under the subject “Implementation of Temporary Importation Declaration Requirement For Motor Vehicles Entering South Africa”.
1. We wish to inform you of the upcoming enforcement of the requirement for all foreign-registered motor vehicles, including those from SACU countries, to complete a temporary importation declaration when entering South Africa.
2. This requirement is in line with Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, which mandates the declaration of all goods, including vehicles, upon entry. The SACU Agreement does not exempt member states from compliance with South African national legislation regarding import controls.
3. Previously, SACU-registered vehicles were temporarily exempted from this requirement due to operational challenges at border posts. With the introduction of improved systems, including the Travel Management System (TMS) and the Mobi App for pre-declaration, these challenges have been addressed. The TMS enables travellers to submit customs declarations electronically in advance, enabling preliminary processing, verification, and approval before arrival at the border. This process significantly enhances operational efficiency, minimises congestion, and expedites border movements for traveller declarations at all borders.
4. For TMS registration, submission guidelines, and support, please visit https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/. There will also be officials on the ground across our borders to assist with this process.
5. Effective 01 June 2026, all SACU-registered vehicles entering South Africa must comply with the temporary importation declaration process.
6. We request your cooperation in communicating this requirement to all relevant stakeholders and ensuring readiness for implementation/enforcement by the effective date. Should you require further information or assistance, please contact:
- Ms Memory Ndou for all Northwest and Limpopo borders – mndou1@sars.gov.za or 071 883 3457
- Ms Rachel Sinthumule for all Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal borders – rsinthumule@sars.gov.za or 083 577 2888
- Mr Isaac Tau for all Free State and Northern Cape borders – itau1@sars.gov.za or 082 447 3560
7. In conclusion, SARS remains committed to continued stakeholder engagement and coordinated communication to ensure clarity, compliance, and minimal disruption to seamless cross-border movement.