Today (April 24) saw the introduction by South African Revenue Service (Sars) of a new electronic registration system for Customs clients
The system has been available for applications via eFiling since April 20 but this will be the first time that Customs clients will be able to use eFiling as a channel to apply for registration or licensing of various client types, for example importers, exporters and registered agents.
It is aligned with Sars’ strategic objective of making it easy for traders to comply and fulfil their obligations and for Sars to modernise its systems to provide streamlined digital services.
The new Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system is also available in Customs branches from today. However, due to lockdown regulations during which branches are only operating on an appointment basis, Sars has urged clients to make use of eFiling only. This first phase of implementation focuses on applications for 45 client types only, which can be viewed on the RLA page on the Sars website.
During the lockdown period, if traders wish to apply as importers or exporters relating to essential goods, they need to follow a different process for expedited applications. This involves emailing their requests to BMvubu@sars.gov.za / NMotete@sars.gov.za /
