Yesterday (May 8) saw the official launch of the South African Revenue Service’s Customs Preferred Trader (PT) programme.
Currently, 28 Customs clients have been awarded PT accreditation status following a lengthy period of audits and customs competency assessments.
The Preferred Trader journey began in 2011 after extensive benchmarking and consultations with trade, according to a Sars spokesman. It was set up under the World Customs Organisation’s internationally recognised Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
“The main objective of the programme is to move away from the traditional Customs gate-keeper approach to a more risk-based approach, affording compliant traders access to a range of benefits,” the spokesman said.
A Customs relationship manager will facilitate the relationship between the client and Customs, according to the spokesman, leading to a reduction in the amount of security required for compliance with a Customs procedure. There will be fewer routine documentary and physical inspections while requests for tariff and valuation determinations will be prioritised. The trader will also have prioritised access to non-intrusive inspection techniques when goods are stopped or detained for inspection.
A specialised PT team has been set up by Sars to handle applications and audits, while an Accreditation Review Customs Committee at Sars head office makes a final decision on all accreditation submissions. According to Sars, there are currently over 250 Customs clients going through the PT accreditation process. “With a dedicated team and process now set up, it is envisaged that all these outstanding applications will be processed speedily in the coming months.”
All importers and exporters are eligible to apply for PT status if they meet certain compliance criteria. For more information email preferredtrader@sars.gov.za.
