Guide to SATMS Through Mobi-App or QR Code Scan

Summary

Section 15 requires that each person entering or leaving South Africa must make a complete a declaration of the goods which they:

Have in their possession;
Are carrying for themselves; or
Are carrying on behalf of other people.

Full particulars of the listed information must be declared:

On entering South Africa:
- Goods acquired abroad on which duty has not been paid;
- Repaired, processed or remodelled goods;
- Prohibited, restricted or controlled goods; and
- Goods temporarily imported with the intention of being re-exported.
Before leaving South Africa:
- Goods intended to be repaired, processed or remodelled;
- Prohibited, restricted or controlled goods; and
- Goods temporarily exported with the intention of being re-imported.

Goods described above includes:

Goods in excess of the duty-free allowance in terms of Rebate Item 407.02 and the Guide on Duty Free Allowances (SC-PA-01-03);
Commercial goods; and
Any road vehicle (excluding SACU registered vehicles) for temporary import or export.

The Commissioner may determine the manner in which declaration may be made.

Historically, provision was made only for manual declaration to be made on a Traveller Card (TC-01).

The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) is implemented to allow for voluntary electronic declaration.

Submission by a traveller of an electronic Traveller Declaration in terms of Rule 15.03A(2)(a) is regarded as submission of form TC-01 (Traveller Card) for purposes of the Rules under Section 15.

A person may be questioned and goods may be inspected by a Customs Officer.

Any assessed duties, taxes and levies must be paid.

This webpage serves to guide travellers and crew members who will complete the electronic Traveller Declaration on the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS).

Completion of the electronic Traveller Declaration is voluntary during the pilot phase of the system.

Though voluntary, completion of the electronic Traveller Declaration will require mandatory fields to be completed. Mandatory fields will be highlighted in red, if not completed.

Apart from electronic or manual declaration, travellers might be required to complete an oral declaration which will be captured and printed on a Traveller Declaration (TRD 1).

The traveller is able to access the electronic Traveller Declaration either through the:

SARS website, Refer to SC-PA-01-12 on how to use this method;
QR Code, found displayed on the banners or pamphlets at the Customs ports of entry;
SARS Mobi Application (eFiling) which is available to users registered for eFiling. eFiling is a free electronic tool designed by SARS to offer electronic services such as filing tax returns, making payments, and accessing accounts; or
SATMS Mobi Application which can be downloaded by anyone on their electronic device to complete the traveller declaration.

Accessing the Electronic Traveller Declaration

The QR Code

The traveller scans the QR Code displayed on the pamphlet from their cellular device camera.

The traveller clicks the SARS link that displays when scanning the QR Code.

The traveller opens the declaration by clicking on ‘Complete Declaration’ button.

The traveller completes the traveller declaration following the steps in paragraph Capturing below.

The SARS Mobi Application (eFiling)

The traveller must open the SARS Mobi Application.

The traveller must read the SARS Efiling terms and conditions thereafter indicate whether they accept or decline these conditions.

The traveller clicks ‘Traveller Declaration’ on the menu options.

The traveller completes the traveller declaration following the steps in paragraph Capturing below.

The SATMS Mobi Application

The traveller must download the SATMS Application from Playstore or iStore. The app is available on both the Android and IOS platforms.

The traveller clicks the SATMS icon to open the SATMS open page.

Traveller Declaration System

Manage Traveller Registration

The traveller clicks the register button to register their profile on the SATMS Mobi Application.

To capture login credentials, the traveller enters or selects the:

Username, the traveller may use their email address as the username;
Password which must be in alphanumeric with at least one (1) special character;
Confirm password which must match the password in the password field;
Name;
Surname;
Nationality from the drop-down list containing all nationalities; and
Date of Birth from the calendar provided.

To capture physical address details, the traveller enters / selects the:

Unit Number (if applicable);
Complex Name (if applicable);
Street Number;
Street / Farm Name;
Suburb;
City / Region;
Postal Code; and
Country from the dropdown list.

To capture the contact details, the traveller enters the:

Email Address;
Dialling Code; and
Mobile Number.

To capture passport details, the traveller enters / selects the:

Passport Number;
Passport Expiry Date;
Passport Country of Issue from the drop-down list.

The traveller clicks the:

Terms and Conditions to read the SARS terms and conditions, and must click ‘SATMS’ at the top of the screen in order to go back to the SATMS App screen.

‘I Accept the Terms and conditions’ to accept the terms and conditions and
‘Add Traveller’ button.

The system confirms that the registration was successful.

The traveller clicks the ‘Ok’ button.

View the Before You Travel Information

To view information on what the traveller can expect when travelling in and out of South Africa, the traveller must click on the Before You Travel icon on the SATMS.

The traveller must click the blue arrow next to ‘before you travel’ to return to the SATMS welcome page.

View the Making a Declaration Information

The traveller must click on Making a Declaration icon to view the information on:

How to submit the declaration;
What to do once the declaration has been completed;
What to do once the traveller has arrived at a South African Port; and
What to do when departing South African.

The traveller must click the ‘to go back to’ arrow next to complete declaration in order to return to the SATMS welcome page.

Traveller Login

Once the traveller has an active account or registered their profile on the SATMS Mobi-Application, the traveller may access the login screen by clicking on login.

The traveller must enter the:

Username; and
Password.

If the traveller does not remember their username, the traveller must click the ‘Forgot Username’ link.

The traveller must:

Enter the ‘Email Address’; and
Click the ‘Next’ button.

The SATMS displays the message that the username has been sent to the traveller’s email address.

The traveller clicks the ‘Ok’ button.

If the traveller cannot login because they do not remember their password, the traveller must click the ‘Forgot Password’ link.

The traveller must:

Enter the ‘Username’; and
Click the ‘Next’ button.

The traveller enters the One Time Password (OTP) which was emailed by the SATMS.

If the traveller successfully completes the username and password, the traveller clicks the login button to proceed to the SATMS welcome page.

Manage Travellers

The traveller can add and maintain secondary traveller/s linked to their profile by clicking the ‘Manage Travellers’ button.

The traveller clicks ‘Add Traveller’.

The traveller must enter the following personal information of their travel companion:

Name;
Surname;
Nationality;
Date of birth;
Email Address – may be the email address of the primary traveller; and
Dialling Code.

To complete the physical address, the traveller enters the:

Unit Number (if applicable);
Complex Name (if applicable);
Street Number;
Suburb;
City / Region;
Postal Code; and
Country.

To complete the passport details, the traveller enters:

Passport Number;
Passport Expiry Date;
Passport Issue Date;
Passport Country of Issue; and
The traveller clicks ‘Add Secondary Traveller’ button.

The SATMS confirms that the secondary traveller was added successfully.

Profile Management

The traveller may update their profile information, delete the account and change the password by clicking Profile Management from the welcome page of the SATMS.

The traveller can view the existing traveller details by clicking the ‘Traveller Information’ button.

The SATMS displays the traveller details.

To change the password the traveller must click ‘Change Password’ button.

The traveller must enter the:

Old Password;
New Password; and
Confirm New Password.

The traveller clicks the ‘Submit’ button.

To delete an existing profile, the traveller clicks the ‘Delete Account’.

The SATMS warns the traveller that deleting the account will remove the linked second traveller/s. The traveller must click ‘Ok’ to continue.

The traveller must:

Select the country;
Enter Date of Birth;
Enter email address; and
Click the Delete Traveller button.

The traveller must click the ‘Ok’ button to complete the deletion of the account.

The SATMS will display the message below:

Capturing

Travel Details

To capture the travel declaration, the traveller clicks the ‘Complete Travel Declaration’ button.

The traveller must:

Select the primary traveller and the secondary traveller radio buttons; and
Click the ‘Submit’ button.

The SATMS confirms that the traveller is making a declaration. The traveller clicks the ‘Continue’ button.

The SATMS cautions that the traveller is making a travel declaration on behalf of a companion. The traveller clicks ‘Continue’.

The SATMS proceeds to the traveller management system for capturing.

Traveller Details

On the Traveller Details screen the traveller must enter or select the:

Passport number and country;
Passport Country from the drop down list provided;
First name;
Surname;
Date of birth;
Unit number (not mandatory);
Complex name (not mandatory);

Street;
Suburb;
City or town; and
Postal code; and
Occupation (not mandatory);
Contact number details:
- Mobile code (select from the drop-down options provided in alphabetical order); and
- Mobile number; and
- Email address.

The SATMS allows:

The traveller to reset the form if corrections must be made; or
For the traveller to click on ‘Next’ to continue.

Travel Details

On the Travel Details screen the traveller must select ‘Travel Type’ which can be either:

Travelling in personal capacity; or
Travelling on behalf of an entity.

In the case of the Travelling on behalf of an entity option, the following mandatory information must be inserted in the portion that will be provided for Entity Details:

Entity;
Unit Number (not mandatory);
Complex Name (not mandatory);
Street;
City/Town;
Postal Code;
Country; and
Entity instructions.

The traveller clicks the:

‘Next’ button to continue with capturing his /her information; or
‘Back’ button to view or make changes to the previous screen

Whether travelling in their personal capacity or on behalf of an entity, the traveller must select the ‘Travel Reason’ from the drop-down list.

The traveller selects from the drop-down options provided:

Travelling From;
Travelling Via;
Travelling To; and
Travel date from the pop-up calendar.

The traveller must complete the mode of travel.

The traveller selects the ‘Mode of Travel Type’ from the drop-down options provided. The options available are:

Air;
Road/Rail; and
Sea

In the case where the:

Air mode is used, the traveller selects the:
- Port Of Entry from the drop-down options provided; and
- Select Mode of Transport from the drop-down options provided;

In the case where ‘International Aircraft’ is selected, enter ‘Flight Number’;

If ‘Private Aircraft’ is selected, the traveller must enter ‘Charter Name’ and ‘Charter Registration Number’.

Road/Rail mode of travel is used, the traveller:
- Selects the ‘Port Of Entry’ from the drop-down options provided;
- Selects the ‘Mode of Transport’ from the drop-down options provided; and
- Inserts the ‘Vehicle Registration Number’ in the case where a motorbike, private car/vehicle, and truck/mini truck was the mode of transport used.

Sea mode of travel is used, the traveller selects the:
- Port Of Entry from the drop-down options provided; and

The traveller must select ‘Mode of Transport’ from the drop-down options

In the case where ‘Ship/Vessel’ is selected, the traveller must enter ‘Ship / Vessel’ field.

If ‘Private Ship/Yacht’ is selected then the traveller must enter Private Ship/Yacht name and registration number.

To capture the details of travelling companions the traveller must for each travelling companion click on ‘Add Companion Passport’.

The traveller must:
- Select ‘Passport Country’; and
- Insert ‘Passport Number’.

The SATMS allows the traveller to:
- Go back if corrections must be made;
- Click on Next to continue; or
- Delete to clear the information.

Currency Details

On the Currency Detail screen, the traveller must choose all applicable options; then click ‘Next’

In the case where ‘Declare Crurrency for Own’ is selected, the traveller must click on ‘Add Currency In Pof ossession’ button.

The traveller must:

Select the ‘Financial Instrument’ from the drop-down options provided;
Insert the ‘Currency Amount’;
Select the ‘Currency Denomination’ from the drop-down options provided;
Select the ‘Source of Funds’ from the drop-down options provided;

The SATMS will automatically:

Convert any foreign currency to South African Rand. The official rate of exchange published on the SARS website on the date of declaration will be used. The converted value will be reflected in the total Rand amount field. and
Calculate and reflect the excess currency total in the Rand allowance excess field.

To capture multiple currency details the traveller must click on ‘Add Currency in Possession Details’.

The SATMS allows the traveller to:

Go back if corrections must be made; or
Click on ‘Next’ to continue.

In the case where ‘Declare Crurrency on Behalf of Another Person’ is selected, the traveller must click on ‘Add Currency In Possession’ button.

The traveller must:

Select the ‘Financial Instrument’ from the drop-down options provided;
Insert the ‘Currency Amount’;
Select the ‘Currency Denomination’ from the drop-down options provided;
Insert ‘Owner Name’;
Insert ‘Owner Surname’;

Enter ‘Owner ID/Passport No’;
Select ‘Passport Issuing Country’ from the drop-down list;
Enter ‘Owner Birth Date’
Enter ‘Owner Unit Number’ and ‘Complex Name’ if applicable;
Enter ‘Owner Street/Farm Name’;
Enter ‘Owner Suburb/District’;

Enter ‘Owner City/Town’;
Enter ‘Owner Postal’ code;
Select ‘Funds Origin Country’ from the drop-down list;
Select ‘Mobile Code’ from the drop-down list;
Enter ‘Owner Mobile Number’.

In an instance where ‘Declare Currency on Behalf of a Company / Organisation’ is selected, the traveller must click on ‘Add Currency In Possession’ button.

- Select ‘Financial Instrument’ from the drop-down list;
- Enter ‘Currency Amount’;
- Select ‘Currency’from the drop-down list;
- Enter ‘Company Name’;
- Select ‘Company Location’ from the dropdown list;
- Enter ‘Company Registration Number’;
- Select ‘Company Registration Date; Click ‘Next’ to continue.

Possession Details

On the Possession Details screen the traveller must click on the button next to each statement to change the selection from no to yes to confirm possession of:

Any prohibited or restricted goods according to the Prohibited and Restricted Imports and Exports List on the SARS website;
- The traveller clicks the ‘Next’ button:

- The traveller:
  - Views the payment summary showing a zero total amount which, might change after the processing of the traveller’s declaration;
  - Clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button. After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the direction to proceed to port where the Customs Officer will process the declaration.

Any commercial goods intended for trade.
- The traveller clicks the radio button next to the question ‘Any goods intended for trade’.
- If yes is selected the system displays the ‘Select Trader Type’ screen.

- The traveller selects ‘Commercial Trader’ or ‘Informal Trader’ from the drop-down options than must click the ‘Next’ button.

- Commercial Trader: The traveller:
  - Clicks the ‘Add Permanent Imports’ button;
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- - Selects the ‘Item’ field on the drop-down;

- - Selects the ‘Item’ from the list of options provided;

- - Selects the ‘Measure’ from the list of options provided;

- - Enters the ‘Quantity’;
  - Selects the ‘Declared Currency’ from the drop-down list;
  - Enters the ‘Declared Value’;
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- - SATSM calculates duties/VAT and displays the total amount payable.
  - The traveller clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true as well as correct and then clicks the ‘Next’ button.

- Informal Trader: The traveller:
  - Clicks ‘Add Permanent Imports’;

- - Clicks the ‘Item’ field on the drop-down;

- - Selects the ‘Item’ from the list of options provided;

- - Selects the ‘Measure’ from the list of options provided;

- - Enters the ‘Quantity’;
  - Enters the ‘Declared Currency’;
  - Enters the ‘Declared Value’;
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- - The traveller views the payment summary and clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button.

- - SATSM calculates duties/VAT and displays the total amount payable.
  - The traveller clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct and clicks the ‘Next’ button.

Any valuable goods that the traveller needs to register for temporary importation or exportation:
- If the need to register for temporary importation or exportation option is selected the traveller must click the ‘Next’ button.

- The traveller must click on ‘Add Other Temporary Goods’;

- If the traveller clicks next without completing any of the mandatory fields, the following prompts message displays:

- If mode of travel previously selected was Air / Sea:
  - The SATMS allows the traveller to capture other temporary goods details;
  - The traveller must Click the ‘Add Other Temporary Goods’ button;

- - The traveller selects applicable ‘Item’ from the drop-down option menu;

- - Enters ‘Serial Number;
  - Enters ‘Description’;
  - Enters ‘Declared Value’;

- If mode of travel previously selected was Road / Rail:
  - The SATMS allows the traveller to capture the Vehicle Information
  - Traveller must Click the ‘Add Vehicle’ button;

- - Selects the relevant item on the drop-down;

- - Enters the ‘Registration Number’;
  - Enters the ‘Owner’;
  - Selects the ‘Make’;
  - Selects the ‘Model’;
  - Enters the ‘Colour’;
  - Enter the ‘Year’;
  - Enetr the ‘VIN/Chassis’;
  - Enter the ‘Declared Value’.

- Towing Information. The traveller:
  - Clicks the ‘Add Towing Information’ button;

- - Selects the item from the options provided;

- - Enters the ‘Registration Number’;
  - Enters the ‘Description’;
  - Enters the ‘Declared Value’;

- Add Temporary Goods. The traveller:
  - Clicks the ‘Add Other Temporary Goods’ button;

- - Clicks the ‘Item’ field;

- - Selects the item from the options provided;

- - Enters the ‘Serial Number’;
  - Enters the ‘Description’;
  - Enters the ‘Declared Value’;

- - Clicks the ‘Next’ button to continue.
Any goods that you need to declare for permanent import/export:
- The traveller:
  - Clicks the radio button next to the question ‘Any goods that you need to declare for permanent import/export’;
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- - Clicks the ‘Add Permanent Imports’ button;

- - Selects the ‘Item’ field on the drop-down;

- - Selects the ‘Item’ from the list of options provided;

- - Selects the ‘Measure’ from the list of options provided;

- - Enters the ‘Quantity’;
  - Selects the ‘Currency’ from the drop-down option list;
  - Enters the ‘Declared Currency’; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- SATSM calculates duties/VAT and displays the total amount payable.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct and clicks the ‘Next’ button.

Any VAT refund claim required:
- The traveller:
  - Clicks the radio button next to the question ‘Any VAT refund claim required’; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- The traveller:
  - Views the payment summary showing a zero total amount which, might change after the processing of the traveller’s declaration;
  - Clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button. After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the direction to proceed to port where the Customs Officer will process the declaration.

Any goods for remodelling or repairs:
- The traveller:
  - Clicks the radio button next to the question ‘Any goods for remodelling or repairs’; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- The traveller:
  - Views the payment summary showing a zero total amount which, might change after the processing of the traveller’s declaration;
  - Clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button. After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the direction to proceed to port where the Customs Officer will process the declaration.

Any samples in your possession:
- The traveller:
  - Clicks the radio button next to the question ‘Any samples in your possession’; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button;

- The traveller:
  - Views the payment summary showing a zero total amount which, might change after the processing of the traveller’s declaration.
  - Clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct; and
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button. When submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the direction to proceed to port where the Customs Officer will process the declaration.
  - Clicks the ‘Next’ button.

Any goods in excess of duty-free allowances (DFA):
- The traveller may access the External Guide on Duty Free Allowances for Travellers (SC-PA-01-03) available on the SARS Website.
- The traveller clicks the radio button next to the question ‘Any goods in excess of duty-free allowances (DFA)’;
- If yes is selected, it means that the traveller has in their possession the goods that exceed the threshold allowed to import the goods free of duties.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Next’ button to continue.

- The traveller :
  - Views the payment summary showing a zero total amount which, might change after the processing of the traveller’s declaration.;
  - Clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button consequently confirming that the information provided is true and correct.
- The SATMS allows the traveller to:
  - Go back if corrections must be made; or
  - Clicks on ‘Next’ to continue. After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the direction to proceed to port where the Customs Officer will process the declaration.

- If the traveller clicks the ‘Next’ button without clciking the declaration radio button, the following screen displayes:

- The taveller must click the ‘Close’ button to continue.

Captcha

On the CAPTCHA screen the traveller must:

Complete a test for human response.

Insert the displayed CAPTCHA code.

Click on ‘Submit’ to complete the declaration.

Confirmation of Submission

The SATMS will:

Confirm if the traveller’s declaration has been submitted successfully; or
Request the traveller to retry submitting his / her electronic declaration if the submission was unsuccessful.

The traveller will receive a notification SMS / email confirming successful submission of the traveller declaration and an instruction on how to proceed.

Definitions, acronyms and abbreviations

The definitions, acronyms and abbreviations can be accessed here – Glossary webpage

Legal disclaimer: In the event of conflict or inconsistency between this webpage and the PDF version of the guide, the latter shall prevail.

Table of Contents

Summary

Accessing the Electronic Traveller Declaration

Traveller Declaration System

Capturing

Definitions, acronyms and abbreviations