In a letter to External Stakeholders dated 16 November 2020, “Directive Relating to the Release of Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) Goods”, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) informed that:
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in partnership with other government agencies, is engaged in ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trading in Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) goods, including the undervaluation thereof.
In order to prevent further fraudulent attempts at the release of CTFL goods, release authorities (i.e. master, container operator, container depot operator) will need to mail copies of the customs release notifications presented to them for the upliftment of such goods to CustomsExciseSpecialProject@sars.gov.za, marked for the attention of Officers Zarina Taylor and Igshaan Pretorius under the subject “CTFL Release Authentication”. The abovementioned officers will respond in writing, confirming whether the relevant customs release notification is authentic and whether release may be granted to the importer. This process of authentication only applies to manually detained Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) consignments.
Release authorities are reminded that their liability for duty in respect of goods to be released to importers or their agents only ceases upon the lawful delivery thereof, after due entry has been made. This directive applies from 16 November until further notice and may be amended from time to time as required.
Story by: Riaan de Lange