It is far too early in the year to predict what trade should expect from Customs in 2025, and this is mainly due to the fact that no stakeholder engagements have taken place as yet. Once these engagements begin, and we have visibility of the various action logs and agenda items, it will become clearer as to what expectations there should be.
Until then, forecasting expectations must be based on where Customs were at the end of 2024, and the bigger question becomes what is wanted from Customs, rather than what is expected.
First and foremost, what is wanted from Customs, is confirmation of when the new Customs Acts will be proclaimed as law. The Customs Control Act, The Customs Duty Act and the Excise Duty Act were written in 2009, and were assented to in 2014, yet these Acts are not in effect. Instead, Customs continues to amend the current Customs and Excise Act, 1964 and Rules to accommodate ‘parts’ of the new Acts. RCG, RLA and DPS are included in the new Acts, but have been implemented by amendments to the current Act. Will 2025 see the new Acts proclaimed by the President?
Rather disappointingly, the National Single Window pilot testing has lost momentum, with testing still limited to Plant Inspector and, after almost two years of testing, there are more questions than answers relating to how the system works. There are challenges relating to a trader granting permission for Other Government Agencies to access Customs documents, for example, but the biggest challenge, is that traders are having to communicate with Customs as well as the relevant Government Agency, which defeats the objective of a Single Window.
An expectation of 2025 is Customs bringing Port Health into the Single Window, but if the Plant Inspector issues cannot be resolved, how will industry cope with delays in obtaining release from Port Health? Directly linked to the Single Window, is the commitment from Customs to digitize the Prohibited and Restricted List, but again, there has been no visible progress, and the P & R List remains a challenge.
The AEO Programme will certainly be a key focus point for Customs in 2025, and importers, exporters and agents will be encouraged to apply for Authorized Economic Operator status. Having a secure, risk-free logistics supply chain is fast becoming an international standard, and South Africa has recognized the importance of having a successful AEO Programme. Participation in the programme is therefore encouraged, and trade fully supports this Customs initiative.
Expected within 2025 is the publication of the amended Waste Management Policy, new State Warehouse facilities across the country, closer collaboration with the BMA, amendments to supplier invoice requirements and electronic Tariff Determination applications. Stakeholder engagements will remain a priority for trade so that meaningful contributions are made by the private sector, this to ensure the free flow of goods across our borders. 2025 will, no doubt, be a busy year with its challenges, but the hope is that it will be fruitful, constructive and a year of progress.