Media release: Joint media statement between South African Revenue Service and National Consumer Commission on Track and Trace System
12 November 2026 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) met and agreed on a coordinated strategic approach to the legislative and procurement processes for a Track and Trace system.
The meeting clarified the respective roles of the two institutions in addressing the illicit economy, particularly following the publication of a Discussion Document on Proposed Track and Trace Regulations for public comment and the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana’s announcement that SARS would initiate a tender process to acquire a Track and Trace system. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mr Parks Tau published the draft Regulations on Track and Trace as a discussion document for public comment following the NCC’s recommendation for Regulations on Track and Trace. These two complementary processes are aimed at tackling illicit trade.
SARS and the NCC reaffirmed that their statutory mandates are complementary and that they will work together to strengthen South Africa’s response to illicit and non-compliant trade.
SARS’s process to secure a cigarette Track and Trace capability is imminent, with the Request for Proposal (RFP) to be issued under its customs, excise and revenue-protection mandate. The two institutions are aligning technical standards, information-sharing, governance and enforcement arrangements to avoid duplication, minimise compliance costs and ensure a coherent government approach.
These steps are critical to implementing the National Illicit Economy Disruption announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address in February this year. The Track and Trace system will complement SARS’s existing strategic initiatives to combat the illicit economy, particularly illicit trade in cigarettes, fuel and alcohol in a phased approach. The NCC will use the system to enforce the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. The growing illicit market in excisable products has severely harmed legitimate businesses.
Ends
 Issued jointly by NCC and SARS
For media enquiries, please contact:
| Siphithi Sibeko
SARS: Media Head and Spokesperson 072Â 381 5139Â |
Phetho Ntaba
NCC: Spokesperson 082 809 2031/012 065 2040 |
Legal Counsel – Secondary Legislation – Tariff Amendments 2026
12 November 2026 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964: The tariff amendments notice, scheduled for publication in the Government Gazette, relates to the amendments to –
- Part 1 of Schedule No. 1, by the substitution of tariff subheadings 1701.12, 1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91, and 1701.99, to reduce the rate of customs duty on sugar from 697.92c/kg to 516.35c/kg in terms of the existing variable tariff formula (ITAC Minute 11/2026)
Publication details will be made available later
Media release: Travellers reminded to declare directly with SARS for free
12 November 2026 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reminds travellers entering or leaving South Africa that they can submit a Traveller Declaration free of charge through official SARS channels.
SARS is aware that independent third-party providers charge travellers to help complete Traveller Declarations. These providers are not affiliated with SARS, and their charges are not SARS fees. Travellers can submit declarations directly through the SARS website, or the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) MobiApp.
The Digital Traveller Declaration is central to SARS’ Customs modernisation initiative, which aims to make compliance easier for taxpayers and traders. It helps travellers meet their Customs obligations more easily while strengthening SARS’ ability to manage border risks.
Travellers are encouraged to complete declarations before travelling and use official SARS channels for information and assistance, which is free.
Since 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry have generally been required to submit an online Traveller Declaration before travelling, subject to applicable exceptions. The declaration provides a convenient digital way to meet Customs obligations by declaring goods and currency in their possession.
Travellers can avoid unnecessary costs by submitting their Traveller Declaration free of charge through official SARS channels. Third-party assistance is optional, and independent providers’ charges are not SARS fees. Visit the SARS website for official information and access to the Traveller Declaration service.
For further information, email [email protected].
Kuruman, Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality and Kathu Village – SARS and the Office of the Tax Ombud visit on 17 to 21 November 2026
11 November 2026 – SARS and the Office of the Tax Ombud will be visiting Kuruman, Ga-Segonyana and Kathu Village to assist taxpayers with tax related matters.
Venues and dates:
- Kuruman Mall
- 17 to18 November 2026 from 9:00 to 18:00
- Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality
- 19 to 20 November 2026 from 08:00 to 16:00
- Kathu Village Mall
- 20 November 2026 from 09:00 to 18:00
- 21 November 2026 from 09:00 to 15:00
Legal Counsel – Interpretation and Rulings – Interpretation Notes 141-160
11 November 2026 – Income Tax Act, 1962
- Interpretation Note 147 – Reduced assessments: Meaning of “readily apparent undisputed error”
Legal Counsel – Interpretation and Rulings – Interpretation Notes 121-140
11 November 2026 – Income Tax Act, 1962
- Interpretation Note 124 (Issue 2) – Public Benefit Activity: Provision of Residential Care for Retired Persons
Legal Counsel Archive – Interpretation Notes Archive
11 November 2026 – Income Tax Act, 1962
- Interpretation Note 124 – Public Benefit Activity: Provision of Residential Care for Retired Persons
Scam Alert! – WhatsApp profile impersonating the SARS Commissioner
11 November 2026 – Be cautious of the fraudulent WhatsApp profile below. Fraudulent calls are being made to taxpayers regarding outstanding debt.
The SARS Commissioner does not phone individual taxpayers about payments. Any such call is a scam.
SARS will never ask for your passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs or eFiling login details by phone, email, SMS or social media.
Taxpayers are encouraged to use official channels to check if they have a legitimate tax debt or notice.
Report any suspicious calls or emails to [email protected] or call the SARS Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 00 2870.
Customs – Registration, Licensing and Accreditation
10 November 2026 – The facility code used in Box 30 on the Goods Declaration has been updated to include details of the new container depot, Synergy Worldwide Logistics (Pty) Ltd, Sub Number: J8 based in Durban.
This addition enables Customs to transmit electronic messages communicating the status of the consignment to these facilities.
Western Cape Mobile Tax Unit Schedule for November 2026
10 November 2026 – The Western Cape mobile tax unit schedule for November 2026 is now available.
KwaZulu-Natal Mobile Tax Unit Schedules for November and December 2026
9 November 2026 – The KwaZulu-Natal mobile tax unit schedules for November and December 2026 are now available.
Customs Weekly List of Unentered Goods now available
9 November 2026 – The state provides state warehouses for the safekeeping of goods. These are managed by Customs. The purpose of this list of unentered goods is to notify the importer, exporter and any other person that has interest in the goods that the goods have been taken up into the State warehouse and if they remain unentered they will be disposed in accordance with the provisions of the Customs & Excise Act.
See the latest Customs Weekly List of Unentered Goods here.
Updated Prohibited and Restricted Imports and Exports list
6 November 2026 – The Prohibited and Restricted Imports and Exports list was updated.
- Please be advised that tariff headings 9505.90 and 9503.00.90 are not to be detained for Port Health purposes.
Legal Counsel – Secondary Legislation – Tariff Amendments 2026
6 November 2026 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964: Publication details for tariff amendments notices, R8153, R8154, R8155, R8156, R8157, and R8158, as published in Government Gazette 55680 of 6 November 2026, are now available.
SARS Digital platform upgrades on 6 to 7 November 2026
6 November 2026 –Â Achieving our Vision of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired is of paramount importance. Pivotal to the delivery of our vision are our digital platforms and technology infrastructure. To provide clarity and certainty, make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations and building public trust and confidence, our technology assets must demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security.
In accordance with our Vision and Strategic Objectives, which include modernising our systems to provide Digital and Streamlined online services, we are hard at work ensuring that our digital platforms and technology infrastructure are available, robust and secure, by performing regular upgrades, enhancements and maintenance.
Considering the above, SARS Digital platform maintenance is scheduled for:
Friday, 06 November 2026 from 17h00 to 01h30 Saturday, 07 November 2026,
Saturday, 07 November 2026 from 06h00 – 09h00,
Saturday, 07 November 2026 from 14h00 – 19h00.
During this time, you may experience intermittent service interruption on our eFiling, Tax and Customs Digital Platforms.
Limpopo Mobile Tax Unit Schedules for November 2026
5 November 2026 – The Limpopo mobile tax unit schedules for November 2026 are now available.
Legal Counsel – Secondary Legislation – Tariff Amendments 2026
5 November 2026 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964: The tariff amendments notices, scheduled for publication in the Government Gazette, relate to the following amendments:
With retrospective effect from 1 April 2026
- Part 2 of Schedule No. 4, by the substitution of rebate item 460.03/0207.14.9/01.07, in order to increase the annual quota for frozen bone-in cuts of the species Gallus Domesticus originating in or imported from the United States of America from 73 881 tonnes to 74 351 tonnes (ITAC Minute M06/2026)
6 November 2026
- Part 1 of Schedule No. 1, by the substitution of Notes 5(b) in Chapter 98, to provide for the extension of the allowable minimum level of local assembly for semi-knocked down vehicle kits qualifying under the APDP 2, with lead-acid batteries excluded from such kits (ITAC Minute M07/2026)
With effect from 2Â December 2026 up to and including 5Â January 2027
- Part 5A of Schedule No. 1, to provide for ae reduction of 100c/li in the rate of the general fuel levy from 410c/li to 310c/li on petrol and a reduction of 150c/li from 393c/li to 243c/li on diesel in order to give effect to the announcement by the Minister of Finance on 21 October 2026
- Part 3 of Schedule No. 6, as a consequence of the reduction in the general fuel levy as announced by the Minister of Finance on as announced by the Minister of Finance on 21 October 2026; the diesel refund provisions are adjusted accordingly
With effect from 6Â January 2027
- Part 5A of Schedule No. 1, to provide for an increase of 100c/li in the rate of the general fuel levy from 310c/li to 410c/li on petrol and an increase of 150c/li from 243c/li to 393c/li on diesel in order to give effect to the announcement by the Minister of Finance on 21 October 2026
- Part 3 of Schedule No. 6, as a consequence of the increase in the general fuel levy as announced by the Minister of Finance on as announced by the Minister of Finance on 21 October 2026; the diesel refund provisions are adjusted accordingly
Publication details will be made available later
SARS Digital platform upgrades on 5 November 2026
5 November 2026 –Â Achieving our Vision of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired is of paramount importance. Pivotal to the delivery of our vision are our digital platforms and technology infrastructure. To provide clarity and certainty, make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations and building public trust and confidence, our technology assets must demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security.
In accordance with our Vision and Strategic Objectives, which include modernising our systems to provide Digital and Streamlined online services, we are hard at work ensuring that our digital platforms and technology infrastructure are available, robust and secure, by performing regular upgrades, enhancements and maintenance.
Considering the above, SARS Digital platform maintenance is scheduled for:
Thursday, 05 November 2026 from 18h00 to 19h00.
During this time, you may experience intermittent service interruption on our eFiling, Tax and Customs Digital Platforms.
Legal Counsel – Secondary Legislation – Tariff Amendments 2026
3 November 2026 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964: Publication details for tariff amendments notices, R8124, and R8125, as published in Government Gazette 55661 of 3 November 2026, are now available.
Legal Counsel – Secondary Legislation – Tariff Amendments 2026
2 November 2026 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964: The tariff amendments notices, scheduled for publication in the Government Gazette, relate to the following amendments, with effect from 4 November 2026 up to and including 1 December 2026:
- Part 3 of Schedule No. 6, as a consequence of the reduction in the general fuel levy as announced by the Minister of Finance on 21 October 2026; the diesel refund provisions are adjusted accordingly
- Part 5A of Schedule No. 1, to provide for a reduction of 150c/li in the rate of the general fuel levy from 410c/li to 260c/li on petrol and a reduction of 300c/li from 393c/li to 93c/li on diesel in order to give effect to the announcement by the Minister of Finance on 21 October 2026
Publication details will be made available later
