SARS introduces electronic system to track cargo
The paperless cargo reporting system brings to an end one of the last remaining paper-based processes in the revenue service.
THE South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently introduced a new electronic cargo system that tracks the movement of cargo coming into and leaving the country.
The paperless cargo reporting system brings to an end one of the last remaining paper-based processes in the revenue service.
Chief Officer of Customs and Excise, Teboho Mokoena, said the electronic reporting system will expedite the processing of legitimate trade and improve the management of risk for goods coming in and leaving the country.
“Customs clients impacted by the new electronic reporting system include shipping lines, airlines, the national rail carrier, road haulers, freight forwarders, port and airport authorities, terminal operators, wharf operators, transit shed operators, licensees of depots and registered agents.”
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One of the benefits to trade of electronic cargo reporting is that it will save on costs involved in paper reporting. For example, carriers can spend hundreds of thousands of rand a year just in the paper and administrative costs associated with submitting paper manifests to SARS offices.
However, for many sea and air modality clients, who have never submitted electronic reports before, the implementation may take more time to get used to.
In addition, South Africa will be following international trends with the introduction of ‘advance reporting of containerised cargo’ destined for South African ports.
This reporting requires carriers and forwarders to submit ‘advance loading notices’ to SARS Customs at both master and house bill of lading levels, 24 hours prior to vessel departure.
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