SARS releases the preliminary trade statistics for June 2025
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R22.0 billion in June 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R170.7 billion and imports of R148.6 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Filing Season 2025 gets under way from 21 July to 20 October
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is excited to announce that 5.8 million taxpayers received Auto Assessments this year, which is up from 5 million in 2024. Importantly, 99.6% of Auto Assessments issued to date have remained unchanged by taxpayers. Equally impressive is that R10.6 billion in refunds due to taxpayers have already been paid within 72 hours.
Extension of due date of filing of EMP201 and payment
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) yesterday experienced higher than expected volumes which caused our systems to respond longer than expected. We recognise that some employers experienced delays in submitting their monthly EMP201’s and as a result we will consider not imposing penalties and interest in relation to employers who would otherwise have been compliant.
Minister of Finance and Commissioner for SARS visit Alberton to review the state of readiness for Filing Season 2025
Mr Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, and Mr Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner, today visited SARS’s Alberton Taxpayer Service Centre to review its state of readiness as Auto Assessment begins, running from 7 to 20 July 2025.
South Africa deepens global trade ties through landmark AEO agreements with the USA, India and UK
This past week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) marked a historic milestone in Brussels with the signing of three Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) for its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. SARS is partnering with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). In addition, SARS undertook a Memorandum of Understanding with the Customs & Excise department of Hong Kong, China, regarding cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in Customs matters.
SARS Concludes Visionary WCO Chairmanship, Shapes Future of Global Customs
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), led by Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, concluded a transformative two-year tenure as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) during the 145th/146th WCO Council Sessions at WCO Headquarters in Brussels. Attended by over 400 representatives from 186 member administrations, which collectively manage 98% of global trade, the sessions marked a pivotal moment for global Customs.
Trade Statistics for May 2025
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R21.7 billion in May 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R175.7 billion and imports of R154.1 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Noncompliance in the fuel industry: Adulteration and Illicit Trade
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) continues to discharge its mandate to collect all revenue due to the fiscus, facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure compliance. This takes place in a difficult economic and operational environment characterised by multiple challenges, including the illicit economy. SARS is working with other law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of the illicit economy.
South Africa and China commit to strengthening Trade Facilitation – SARS, ITAC & Chinese Embassy
On 3 June 2025, Commissioners of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) Mr Ayabonga Cawe; South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter; and the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Mr WU Peng held a constructive meeting at the SARS Pretoria Head Office. The meeting focused on the current state of trade and trade facilitation between South Africa and China, —two key strategic partners in global commerce.
Ms Mary Baine appointed as the new Executive Secretary of ATAF
SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Mary Baine as its new Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum, effective 1 July 2025. Ms. Baine succeeds Mr. Logan Wort, who has served as ATAF’s Executive Secretary since its establishment in 2009.
