SARS seeks to further the South African Government’s aim of growing the economy and creating employment through trade facilitation and combating illicit trade activities.
SARS also aims to improve the information flow relating to trade, to positively affect turnaround times and assist in managing inspections better through more timely and accurate identification of compliance risks. This is currently being addressed through the rollout of a massive Customs Modernisation Programme.
South Africa is a member of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and therefore, uses the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) for the classification of goods on importation.
The different agencies at the borders are gradually moving towards full integration of the technology platforms they use, allowing all the role players at South Africa’s ports of entry to have access to the same information.
This will enhance SARS’s own risk management, ultimately secure the borders, and improve trade facilitation and compliance.
