What’s new?
- 12 May 2020 – Reporting of Conveyances and Goods – External Policy
The Reporting of Conveyances and Goods policy has been updated to clarify that exemptions granted in respect of cargo reports apply to advance container loading notices, advance cargo arrival notices (imports), departure reports (exports) as well as acquitted manifests. - 12 May 2020 – The Reporting Requirements Look-up table was updated.
- 20 March 2020 – Registration of Cargo reporter
This week SARS announced that it is taking measures to ensure the safety of its staff and clients, including encouraging social distancing and limiting the number of people visiting SARS offices. As a result, if Customs clients wish to register as a cargo reporter, instead of couriering their registration documents or handing them in at SARS head office in Pretoria, they are asked to scan them and mail them to NLegodi@sars.gov.za.
For queries, you can call 012-422 8388.
What is it?
Building on the foundations laid by SARS’s Manifest Processing (MPR) system, RCG is the first component to be delivered under NCAP.
MPR enabled shipping lines and airlines to report both pre-arrival and acquittal (post-arrival) manifest information to SARS electronically, thus reducing their reporting cost of compliance considerably. MPR was also able to match cargo reports to their corresponding customs clearances to identify instances of reporting non-compliance.
The new Cargo Processing System (CPS) implemented under the RCG project reflects the new legislative framework in respect of cargo reporting, as set out in the Customs Control Act, 2014, and significantly improves cargo management and supply chain security. CPS, which includes both import and export reporting as well as transhipment reporting, introduces a number of new supply chain reports, including outturn reports, gate reports and pre-loading notices for containerised cargo.
Top tip: To see the different Cargo reporting requirements, click here.
When is the implementation?
In order to facilitate the transition to the new dispensation of the Customs Control Act, 2014, the decision was taken to implement the first phase of RCG under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964. To achieve this, the rules under section 8 of the 1964 Act will be replaced by rules adapted for the 1964 Act, incorporating certain requirements of the reporting provisions contained in Chapter 3 of the Customs Control Act, 2014, and the rules to that Chapter.
This first phase of RCG under the 1964 Act was implemented on 20 April 2018.
Who is impacted and what steps must I take?
Under RCG, it is mandatory for all cargo reporters in the air, sea and road industries to submit reports to SARS electronically. Customs clients impacted by RCG include carriers, customs brokers, Port/Airport authorities, terminals, depots and registered agents.
Clients who have never submitted electronic reports must find out more about the legislative and system requirements relating to electronic reporting in order to become fully compliant before RCG is implemented. If you have any questions about RCG, feel free to mail them to NewCustomsActs@sars.gov.za.
Top tips:
- For the RCG Message Implementation Guidelines (MIGs), click here.
- See a list of RCG FAQs which has been published.
