Tshwane, 23 September 2021 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS), through its Customs division, understands the plight of freight forwarding stakeholders who are experiencing delays at the Beit Bridge border post.
SARS Customs would like to reassure all taxpayers, traders and stakeholder that Customs operations have been modernised in recent years to use electronic systems to manage the flow of goods and travellers through the port of entry.
One of the key outcomes of the modernised electronic system at Beit Bridge is the quicker processing time which significantly reduces the waiting time for trucks to cross the border, meaning that queues on the South African side are relatively short.
Furthermore, SARS Customs has no control over the congestion that occurs on the N1 heading to Beit Bridge, when there are delays beyond the control of SARS.
SARS is busy implementing further enhancements to the system of modernised, electronic declarations and processes through the number-plate recognition project as the first stage of SMART borders.
This project will soon be implemented at other ports of entry which should once again benefit the freight forwarding community through faster turn-around times.
Beit Bridge is the busiest land port of entry in South Africa and is open 24/7. The SARS website has more details on all ports of entry and their operations. Visit www.sars.gov.za
SARS also notes with concern the congestion at the Lebombo border post. We wish to inform all users of the border post that the cause of this congestion is the major Customs changes being introduced, though not from the South African side. SARS will continue to work hard with our counterparts to facilitate the legal movement of travellers and goods across our borders.
For further information please contact [email protected]
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