{"id":636619,"date":"2022-10-21T08:34:58","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T06:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=636619"},"modified":"2022-10-21T08:34:58","modified_gmt":"2022-10-21T06:34:58","slug":"big-change-for-travel-in-south-africa-as-sars-tests-new-smart-border-next-month-targeting-all-travellers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/lifestyle\/636619\/big-change-for-travel-in-south-africa-as-sars-tests-new-smart-border-next-month-targeting-all-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Big change for travel in South Africa as SARS tests new ‘smart border’ next month – targeting all travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The South African Revenue Service (SARS<\/a><\/strong>) has announced that it will launch the pilot of an electronic online portal for travellers to make declarations of goods and cash ahead of their arrival or departure to\/from South Africa.<\/p>\n

According to the taxman, the pilot will be tested on a voluntary basis during November, with it initially appearing in the Durban hub of King Shaka International Airport.<\/p>\n

SARS said that all travellers are required by law to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa. The process aims to bring SARS in line with international standards and is also in compliance with domestic legislation that makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the Republic to declare any goods in their possession.<\/p>\n

“The new system will allow travellers to pre-declare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired,” said SARS.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Updates to smooth the boarding process form part of the taxman’s Customs Modernisation Programme and the creation of “Smart borders” – that leverage data and technology.<\/p>\n

SARS has been on a rapid push to use data to its advantage and become more stringent with its capacity to detect and respond to non-compliance.<\/p>\n

It said that such developments aim to “create a seamless experience for legitimate traders and travellers at our ports of entry while enhancing its detection capabilities to respond to any risks.”<\/p>\n

“For travellers who choose not to use the online portal on their mobile devices, SARS will make available a paper form as well self-service counters at our terminals.” The authority added that a number of its customs officers would have hand-held devices to assist travellers and facilitate passage.<\/p>\n

According to SARS, failure to make a proper declaration as required by law is an offence that can result in:<\/p>\n