Sars postpones ‘go-live’ date of new declaration process

SA Revenue Service will postpone the launch of phase one of its Customs Modernisation Programme from October 1 to November 1. While Sars was due to release further details when this issue went to press, FTW understands that an extra month is deemed to be necessary to ensure smooth implementation. Service providers believe they are ready, but there’s concern that the industry may not be and it was therefore felt to be a prudent decision based on global experience. “When Australia’s customs authorities changed their systems, the ports were blocked up for days. Even if you have a reasonably small number of people who are not ready, the impact can be significant,” an industry source told FTW. “The problem is that Sars has made changes to its system, and service providers to theirs – we need to ensure that they are in sync once the system goes live.” Extensive testing has been under way for the past month, and while all parties are reasonably confident, a postponement will allow more time to ensure that there are no system glitches which would severely compromise trade.