In a letter dated 03 February 2012 Sars informed Traders and Agents of the following: On the weekend of 10 February 2012, the Kopfontein border post with Botswana will implement Customs Modernisation Release 3, which will include: * The replacement of the CCA system with the CAPE/Export systems and a new case management system called Service Manager. * Enhanced inspection process, with declarations processed off site * Electronic submission of supporting documents through e@syScan * Limited manual declaration processing * An electronic release system, reducing the need for paper and authorising stamps at branches * No entry of commercial cargo into the port without pre-clearance and * New gate pass system for commercial vehicles In addition to the Release 3 changes, Kopfontein traders/agents who previously used the 70707070 customs code will from 10 February 2012 no longer be able to do so. The code is being abolished nationally, but this will be implemented in a phased approach, starting with Kopfontein. Also from 10 February 2012, all foreign importers/exporters and removers of bonded cargo by road are required to register or license directly with Sars as a ‘foreign principal’. At the same time, they must nominate a ‘registered agent’ based in South Africa to conduct business on their behalf and accept full accountability for all transactions. Traders are asked to ensure that goods are cleared before entry at the border (both Imports and Exports) as truck drivers will only be allowed entrance once fully compliant with requirements. More details on the implementation of Release 3 at Kopfontein will be sent out next week. For more information on what’s happening at the Sacu border posts in 2012, you can go to the Customs Modernisation site on the Sars website: www.sars.gov.za > click on Customs & Excise > Customs and Border Management > Customs Modernisation or you can scan the barcode tag below with your smart phone using any free QR code reader software available on the Internet.
