Dear Customs client
UPDATE ON NEW CUSTOMS LEGISLATION
We would like to update you on progress regarding the two new Customs Acts published in the Government Gazette in July 2014.
In a previous letter dated 14 August 2015, we stated that an amended version of the consolidated Rules would be published for comment before the end of 2015. The consolidated second draft of the Customs Control Rules was then published for public comment on 22 December 2015.
Stakeholders were given until 1 April 2016 to comment, but this was extended to 15 April 2016 due to various requests received. Comments are currently under consideration and a workshop will be held after the conclusion of the consideration process to provide SARS’ feedback. The date for the workshop will be announced at a later stage, but will likely be before the end of July 2016.
The second draft of the Customs Duty Rules is near completion and is expected to be published for comment before the end of July 2016.
Please take note that we intend to temporarily halt any further amendments to the Rules after the comments during this round of public participation have been considered. This decision has been taken to facilitate the process of systems development in preparation for the first phase of implementation, which is expected to start before the end of the 2016/17 financial year.
Last year we launched a dedicated web page on the SARS website for updates on the new Customs legislation (click on: http://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/AboutCustoms/Pages/New- Customs-Legislation-update.aspx). The web page has now been updated with a new guide on the Acts and additional “Frequently Asked Questions”. Please note: these questions are not meant to go into the technical detail often associated with customs.
SARS will continue to engage with public and private stakeholders throughout the process.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely
JED MICHALETOS
CHIEF OFFICER: CUSTOMS & EXCISE
