SARS compliance issues under the spotlight at SAAFF Congress 2018

The Reporting of Conveyances and Goods (RCG) – one of the three main pillars of the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) New Customs Act Programme (NCAP) – will come under the spotlight at the 2018 SA Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) Congress, with an interactive panel session exclusively dedicated to this topical and important industry issue.

From August 1, SARS will introduce penalties for RCG-non-compliance. The new Cargo Processing System (CPS), to be implemented under the RCG project, reflects the new legislative framework for cargo reporting, as set out in the Customs Control Act, 2014, and significantly improves cargo management and supply chain security.

CPS – which includes import and export reporting, as well as transhipment reporting – introduces a number of new supply chain reports, including outturn reports, gate reports and pre-loading notices for containerised cargo.

Although it has been mandatory to submit electronic cargo reports to SARS since 2009, this has never been strictly enforced, in order to give industry the opportunity to develop the necessary capability to report electronically.

Following the end of the grace period (August 1), SARS will impose penalties against all parties in the supply chain who are non-compliant in respect of their reporting obligations as set out in the rules of Section 8 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (as amended).

“The Congress is a unique platform for industry to engage directly with SARS and have its questions answered, particularly with a view to possible solutions related to SARS challenges. It is also an ideal opportunity for freight forwarders to assess their level of compliance against the recent SARS/SAAFF workshops,” says SAAFF CEO David Logan.

SAAFF, in partnership with SARS, has already hosted six workshops countrywide to industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

Logan says that the implementation of RCG is a huge project, with significant technical development required by external stakeholders to become compliant – hence the initial three-month period following the implementation where penalties would not be levied against cargo reporters.

Building on the foundations laid by SARS’s current Manifest Processing (MPR) system, RCG will be the first component to be delivered under NCAP.  Phase 1 of NCAP implementation is a prelude to the requirements for registration, licensing and accreditation.

RCG is part of the World Customs Organisation, adoption of the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework) that would act as a deterrent to illicit trade, secure revenue collections and promote trade facilitation worldwide.

Themed “Logistics through innovation and technology”, the SAAFF Congress 2018 will focus on innovative technology that helps achieve objectives, logistics solutions, opportunities in this economy and the African context, as well as share stories to inspire, motivate and transform the industry.

This year’s Congress takes place on August 29 and 30 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. For more information visit www.saaffcongress.org.za.