The new “travel pass” system pertaining to the declaration of goods will be implemented first at King Shaka International Airport at the end of November.
This new system, which was announced but not further explained in August, has now been outlined by SARS.
The system will be an ‘electronic online portal for travellers to make declarations on a voluntary basis, well ahead of their arrival or departure to/from South Africa,’ SARS stated.
‘The new system will allow travellers to pre-declare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired. For travellers who choose not to use the online portal on their mobile devices, SARS will make available a paper form as well as self-service counters at our terminals. A number of our Customs Officers will also have hand-held devices to assist travellers and facilitate passage. Travellers will be permitted to continue to use the traveller’s card if they so choose,’ the statement continued.
‘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. The automation of the process also has an added benefit of dealing with traveller information in a more secure manner.’
The system will be implemented across all South African ports of entry from 1 April 2023.
Picture: Unsplash
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