Lack of regional standardisation frustrates transporters

If SADC regulations and other customs controls and protocols that are being implemented are intended to harmonise operations in the region, they have missed the mark. That’s the general consensus among South African transport operators. “We are led to believe that all the member states have signed the SADC agreements that will see harmonisation and standardisation in the region from the load and lengths of vehicles to the calibration of weighbridges, but this is far from the reality on the ground,” said Gavin Kelly, spokesman for the Road Freight Association. “If the agreements have been signed they have definitely not been implemented because there is not even standardisation on something simple such as accepting another country’s road-worthiness certificate.” He said the lack of standardisation remained the biggest challenge when operating across borders, as what was acceptable in one country, was not in the next and ultimately resulted in fines and penalties. “Also there is no arguing with an official on the ground in a foreign country, trying to explain that there is a protocol in place. They do not have it in their hands and therefore they do not care. It is either pay the fine on the spot or face having the truck and the cargo impounded – which is a much bigger cost.” With more than 90 non-tariff barriers already registered, SADC is mounting the pressure on governments to get their houses in order. “It is not for want of trying by officials in these meetings, but the change is not filtering down to the officials working in the field and that is where the problem lies,” said Kelly. Another major problem is that documentary requirements are vastly different from one country to another. This results in massive time delays that add to the already escalating cross-border costs, says Kelly. CAPTION Gavin Kelly … ‘If the agreements have been signed they have definitely not been implemented.’