On 14 March Sars’ Executive Customs Modernisation issued a letter to External Stakeholders under the title “Customs Modernisation – Systems Implementation Update”. The recent implementation of Release 3 at Ramatlabama, saw the rollout of new cross-border clearance and inspection procedures. In addition to this, new requirements with regard to Import and Export Control were also implemented. To ensure continuity Sars implemented the same Import and Export Control procedures at Kopfontein on the weekend of 17 March. More details in this regard are available under the headline – “SACU Land Borders - Import & Export Control Measures” dated 16 February 2012, on the SARS Modernisation webpage. Furthermore, to alleviate delays concerning cross-border rail cargo, the customs notification “Proceed to Border” (Status Code 8) was also withdrawn at the weekend. The “Proceed to Border” status is therefore solely applicable to cross-border road movements. Customs Modernisation Release 3 is currently being implemented at all Sacu border posts, starting with Kopfontein and Ramatlabama last month. The next ports earmarked for release so far this year are: (i) Nerston (Swaziland) on the weekend of 24 March; (ii) Vioolsdrift (Namibia) on the weekend of 01 April; and (iii) Nakop (Namibia) on the weekend of 01 April”.
