The SA Revenue Service (Sars), in partnership with other government agencies, has taken decisive action to combat the illicit trading in clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) goods - including undervaluation.
In a directive released today, head of customs border operations, ports of entry and customs compliance, Beyers Theron, advises that “in order to prevent further fraudulent attempts at the release of CTFL goods, release authorities (i.e. master, container operator, container depot operator) will need to mail copies of the customs release notifications presented to them for the upliftment of such goods to CustomsExciseSpecialProject@sars.gov.za, marked for the attention of Officers Zarina Taylor and Igshaan Pretorius under the subject CTFL Release Authentication”.
According to the directive, these officers will respond in writing, confirming whether the relevant customs release notification is authentic and whether release may be granted to the importer.
This process of authentication only applies to manually detained CTFL consignments.
“Release authorities are reminded that their liability for duty in respect of goods to be released to importers or their agents only ceases upon the lawful delivery thereof, after due entry has been made.”
The directive applies from 16 November until further notice, and may be amended from time to time as required, says Theron.
