New association to represent customs service providers

An association representing the country’s customs service providers – who provide a link between the clearing industry and the SA Revenue Service (Sars) customs – is in the process of being registered, according to Ed Little, chairman-to-be of the new body. There is, however, an initial problem. The chosen name, Customs Service Providers’ Association (CSPA), unfortunately clashes with another registered name, and an objection has been raised. But, said Little, this is likely to be solved soon, with the association’s attorneys due to consult with the complainants in the hope that the objection will be lifted. In the meantime, Little has been busy getting the constitution written up and approved. The reason for the establishment of this new body, he added, was that the members – who provide that necessary two-way link between customs and clearing agents on customs procedures – had previously been conducting meetings with customs in association with the clearing and forwarding industry body, the SA Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff). But, Little told FTW, the interests of the two industry sectors were subtly different in their nature, and separate meetings were considered to be necessary. “And from that conclusion the concept of a separate association was born.” The new body will regularly meet with customs, and look after the members’ interests. “When, for example, customs wants to change a procedure,” said Little, “we will make sure that our members get it in the right format for customs.” And the relationship with customs is already well formed, he added, and expressed himself “very satisfied” with the first exploratory meeting with customs as a separate customs service providers’ body. Although there are only 10 members from this very specialised freight industry sector, the organisation will be representative of the whole country.