Inspections for Travellers

Travellers according to Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act No.91 of 1964, are required when entering the Republic, in such a manner as the Commissioner may determine, unreservedly declare all goods , including goods of another person,  accompanied or unaccompanied baggage) which: 

  • Were purchased or otherwise acquired abroad or on any ship, vehicle or in any shop selling goods on which duty has not been paid;
  • Were remodelled, processed or repaired abroad;
  • Are prohibited, restricted or controlled under any law; or
  • Were required to be declared before leaving South Africa as contemplated below.

Before leaving, all goods which you proposes taking with you beyond the borders of South Africa, including goods which are:  

  • Carried on behalf of another person;
  • Intended for remodel, process or repair abroad;
  • Prohibited, restricted or controlled under any law; or
  • Goods which a person who temporarily entered South Africa was required to declare upon entering South Africa.

Travellers, must answer truthfully when declaring goods in their possession, including all questions presented by customs officer to validate the declaration and during inspection process.

A customs officer may stop, detain and examine any accompanied or unaccompanied baggage while under customs control in order to determine whether the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act or any other law have been complied with, in respect of such baggage.   

Penalties

Travellers are encouraged to comply with the provision of the customs law and declare goods in their possession. Failure to comply is considered an offence and may result in administrative penalties including forfeiture of such goods and/or criminal prosecution.

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