‘Sars to be commended for proactive stance’

Customs clearing is not always
the bane of transporters’ lives.
In fact much is being done
by customs in various African countries
to ensure speedy processes that are
user-friendly, effective and efficient.
Kitty Hewitt, owner of Botswana
Consolidators, which consolidates
cargo in its warehouse in Johannesburg
for various destinations in Africa
including Botswana, Swaziland,
Lesotho and Zambia, says one such
system that is making a difference is
the South African Customs’
EDI system.
“It has been in place for several
years now and I have to admit that
being able to clear online has made
a difference. EDI is speeding up the
clearing process, which means
quicker delivery and ultimately a
better service.”
There is no doubt about the
importance of efficient systems not
just for private companies, but also
for governments.
“Sars has been very proactive in
finding solutions and implementing
means that ensure a quicker, more
efficient service around clearing and
that is commendable,” says Hewitt.
And as cross-border opportunities
continue to grow and more goods
are moved by road, it is now more
important than ever to have Customs
processes in place that are efficient and
user-friendly.