This month sees the launch by South African Revenue Service (Sars) of a new MobiApp to enhance customs case management for customs officers across all inspection types – manual or systems based – and to allow better tracking for our clients. According to South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, this is all part of a process to move customs into the 21st century, incorporating more technology and improving the use of data to allow for complete connectivity – be it customs to customs or customs to business. “As a member of the World Customs Organisation and signatory to the World Trade Organisation Facilitation Agreement, Sars is committed to driving the principles of simplification and harmonisation across the value chain in our revitalised modernisation journey,” said Kiewsetter. “The stated benefits are estimated to reduce trade costs by over 14% on average and boost global trade by up to $1 trillion per annum. Poor countries are the biggest winners in this regard.” He said it was imperative for customs authorities to achieve the objective of closer, real-time connectivity not just between different customs authorities but also businesses and intermediaries. Through the use of apps and other technology, the revenue service was committed to developing solutions that enhanced trade while simplifying operations, he added.