Specialist team works with Customs on contentious new procedures

A MEETING has just been held in Durban between industry representatives and senior officials of SA Revenue Services (SARS) on the contentious subject of customs' new export procedures, and the controversial DA550 form. But industry has found customs flexible on this issue, according to Syd Frederic, chairman of SAAFF (SA Association of Freight Forwarders) in Kwa-Zulu Natal. "We are comfortable with the co-operative spirit which exists between ourselves and SARS on this issue," he told FTW. This followed a meeting of export role players in August - jointly called by SAAFF and the Durban Chamber of Commerce - which "expressed many misgivings" about the new procedures, according to Frederic. "The well-publicised concerns regarding container, seal and bill of lading numbers - along with customs stops and examinations - were all highlighted," he said. "The requirements for vehicle registration numbers on over-border exports, as well as security for vehicles carrying in-bond cargo, were also tabled." The result was a letter from Durban Chamber c.e.o. Jeya Wilson to SARS g.m. Vusi Tshabalala emphasising industry's disquiet at these requirements. "The impossible DA550" as FTW described it. "SARS promptly reacted," said Frederic, "sending a team led by project leader Itchie Shaik to Durban to meet with industry, explain SARS position, and listen to the fears expressed by exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, shipping lines, container depot operators and Portnet." During the visit, the SARS team was taken to the Durban container terminal (DCT) for a first-hand look at the current procedures and the Portnet system for receiving export containers. "I believe that Shaik and his team now have an excellent insight into some of the problems in implementing the new system," said Frederic. A result of the meeting has been the formation of a specialist team comprising officials of customs and Portnet, and representatives from the clearing and forwarding industry, depot and shipping line sectors of the freight industry. "The team was mandated to ensure that customs will be in a position to control exports, and reduce fraud and smuggling, something they have been unable to do in the past. "But also so that as little impediment as possible is placed on SA's burgeoning export trade." The first meeting was held on August 31. "Action plans are already in place," Frederic said.