The ball is back in Sars’ court on new Customs Act

Industry has completed commentary on the fourth and last batch of rules and regulations guiding the country’s new Customs Control Act. According to a spokesman for the Port Liaison Forum (PLF), an initiative of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, feedback is expected from the South African Revenue Service within the next month. “That will conclude the process around the Customs Control Act after which we expect to see the first set of rules and regulations for the Customs Duty Act and the Customs and Excise Amendment Act.” It is not yet known how much of the commentary and recommendations made by industry has been accepted by Sars. “It has been a very positive engagement with Sars as they have really listened to industry and engaged with us in various workshops,” said the spokesman. “There are some concerns that remain should the legislation become effective in its current format but we are hopeful that Sars will take industry’s perspective into consideration.” It is also not yet known when the new legislation will be implemented. Whilst Sars has publicly said the intention is to see the legislation taking effect by the middle of this year, industry remains sceptical saying there are still several hurdles to cross before this can be done. “I don’t see this being implemented until next year,” said one source.