‘Sars to be commended for proactive stance’

Customs clearing is not always the bane of transporters’ lives. In fact much is being done by customs in various African countries to ensure speedy processes that are user-friendly, effective and efficient. Kitty Hewitt, owner of Botswana Consolidators, which consolidates cargo in its warehouse in Johannesburg for various destinations in Africa including Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Zambia, says one such system that is making a difference is the South African Customs’ EDI system. “It has been in place for several years now and I have to admit that being able to clear online has made a difference. EDI is speeding up the clearing process, which means quicker delivery and ultimately a better service.” There is no doubt about the importance of efficient systems not just for private companies, but also for governments. “Sars has been very proactive in finding solutions and implementing means that ensure a quicker, more efficient service around clearing and that is commendable,” says Hewitt. And as cross-border opportunities continue to grow and more goods are moved by road, it is now more important than ever to have Customs processes in place that are efficient and user-friendly.