Take important note of October 1

October 1 sees the implementation of two important aspects of the SA Revenue Service Modernisation Programme. Firstly, the current purpose codes used in the declaration of goods on the SAD 500 will be replaced by Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs). These CPCs are provided for in the draft Customs Control Bill. Sars has indicated that this Bill and the Customs Duty Bill are expected to be approved by Parliament by the end of 2010. The CPCs will be introduced under Section 119A of the current Customs and Excise Act prior to the Bills coming into force. Sars has published a Guide for the Application of Customs Procedure Codes which is available on its website. Secondly, due to globalisation, it has become increasing clear that a system of standardised information is essential for establishing a common platform on Customs information requirements in international trade. As such, Sars will be aligning itself with Version 3 of the World Customs Organisation Data Model, which was launched by the WCO on December 9, 2009. The WCO Customs Data Model provides a standard international electronic data exchange system, geared exclusively to the needs of an automated environment. It also provides for reduced data requirements and electronic submission of declarations and supporting documents.