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The SA Revenue Service (Sars) has introduced a new system aimed at making it easier for travellers to come into and out of the country.
The Traveller Declaration System was introduced at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport last month. The revenue collector says the declaration system will be rolled out to other airports throughout the next year.
What exactly is it?
Like the name suggests, the system is a new way for people travelling into or out of the country by air to pre-declare their goods, currency and ‘other’ things as required by law.
How does it work?
Travellers can visit: www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/ and complete the declaration form there.
The steps for completing the form are in the video below:
Sars says it has introduced the system to make it easier to comply with the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964, which makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the republic to declare any goods in their possession.
A list of prohibited, restricted and counterfeit goods can be found here.
The declaration forms will still be available on paper at the entry point if you are not about that fast-tracked life.
“Sars is of the view that the process of pre-declaration will enable travellers to have a swift and seamless movement when they arrive, and those departing will also experience a smooth boarding process,” the revenue collector said.
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“Sars understands the importance of facilitating the movement of legitimate travellers in supporting tourism and contributing to our economy while also putting necessary controls to detect any illicit movement of goods and currency.”
How is it different to what we have now?
Automation!
According to Sars, the pre-declarations will help automate the declaration process, “which has the added benefit of dealing with traveller information in a more secure manner.
“When fully implemented, the system will leverage pre-arrival data to enhance an effective risk management approach, introduce automated arrival processes to provide a “green lane” experience for compliant travellers while enabling, at a later stage, the online payment of appropriate duties seamlessly,” it explains.
