SARS clamps down on 'late' bills of entry

Alan Peat THE SARS customs will be clamping down on exporters whose bills of entry are not processed before the shipment leaves the country, warns Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. This, FTW was told, is demanded in terms of the Customs & Excise Act. It appears that a SARS survey showed that the majority of export entries are actually presented after the ships have sailed - and these are now targeted for strict control. Said the customs memo: "No goods may be exported prior to processing of the export bills of entry, with the exception of goods subject to export verification - for example wine and fresh produce. This is under review, and will be dealt with on its own merits." Meantime, suggested Hellmann, export entries should be prepared correctly and presented to customs supported with the necessary, prescribed documents. Otherwise, they warned, penalties will be imposed in cases where bills have been passed after export of the goods.