Major progress toward single border management agency

The creation of one agency to handle all aspects of border control could considerably streamline customs clearance and fast-track the movement of goods. But there are potential pitfalls, including a potential increase in corruption. This was the view of customs clearance experts who told FTW that the government’s launch of the Operation Pyramid pilot study earlier this month was the first “major step” towards the creation of a single border management agency. Operation Pyramid was officially launched by Home Affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba, in the Kruger National Park on June 19. He stated that the department would soon be appointing a ‘transaction adviser’ to evaluate proposals for the revamp of infrastructure and systems at six key ports of entry. The six border posts – Beitbridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein, Oshoek, Ficksburg Bridge and Maseru Bridge – would serve as a pilot project for Operation Pyramid, he said. “Lessons from Operation Pyramid will be carried over to the proposed border management agency,” said Gigaba. In December 2014, Cabinet approved the establishment of a single border management agency (BMA) that would assume “full control of all port of entry and border functions”. Operation Pyramid will test the feasibility of a new BMA which is set for operation in two years’ time, according to Gigaba. Acting cabinet spokesperson, Phumla Williams, said in a statement that the department of Home Affairs (DHA) had assumed leadership of the Border Control Operational Coordinating Committee (BCOCC) and that 93 officials had been seconded to the BMA project management office. The six ports of entry could be operational as test sites before the end of the year or by latest early 2016, said Williams. “One agency handling border control would be ideal. It would put an end to multiple stops (ie, from Customs and the South African Police Service) and it would avoid issues where one entity grants release but the other does not,” said Taryn Hunkin, customs consultant at commercial law firm, Shepstone & Wylie. Independent customs consultant David Liebenberg told FTW that the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency served as a great example of a single border management agency working well. “However, should such an agency be implemented in South Africa, it is extremely important that those operating it have a full understanding of how it should be implemented and that they bear the interests of legitimate traders in mind,” he commented. Hunkin agreed, pointing out there could be a lack of knowledge among the staff facilitating the border control as they would effectively be representatives of many different agencies and would be expected to enforce various regulations. INSERT & CAPTION One agency handling border control would be ideal. It would put an end to multiple stops. – Taryn Hunkin