EDI, or electronic data interchange, is essentially a “paperless” trading system. It involves the electronic transfer of data, by established message standards, from one computer application to another.
Growth in world trade means businesses are increasingly developing better ways of managing the movement of raw materials, stock and finished goods. EDI organises the flow of information from one end of the supply chain to the other.
Any carrier(s) or operator(s) (e.g. depot, container terminal or wharf operator) must for the purpose of submitting, receiving and processing cargo reports on the Manifest Processing (MPR) system [previously named the Manifest Acquittal System (MAS)] register with SARS if he / she:
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Transports goods or travellers into or out of South Africa on board a vessel, aircraft, railway carriage or vehicle; or
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Loadon board a vessel, aircraft, railway carriage or vehicle any goods that are not in free circulation at any place in South Africa and then transports those goods to another place in South Africa or through South Africa. South African carriers removing goods in bond must first license with Customs in terms of Section 64D (see SC-TR-01-05).
Foreign carriers must appoint a registered agent in South Africa as his / her representative. The foreign carrier must submit a letter of appointment and DA 185 D with his / her application for registration.
A person managing or operating a Container terminal must first license with the National Ports authority (TRANSNET). Once a licence has been issued to such person, he / she must register with Customs as a cargo reporter for the submission of reports that relate to:
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Loading of containers onto vessels and off-loading of containers from vessels;
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Transhipment of containers;
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The storage of containers;
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The stacking and unstacking of containers;
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The receipt for shipment and the delivery of containers;
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The transfer of containers within the terminal; and
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The transfer of containers between terminals, if requested, including container or cargo transfers for Customs inspection purposes.
All registered Importers and / Exporters, registered agents or licensed customs clearing agents must also register as an EDI user for the purpose of submitting CCD electronically to customs, except if he / she submits less than ten (10) CCD per calendar month that do not exceed ten (10) lines.
Comprehensive details regarding customs EDI process can be found in the
SARS EDI Manual. The latest versions of the UN/EDIFACT Message Implementation Guidelines (MIG) and other technical resources can be found below.
How does EDI Registration work?
SARS is legally mandated to enforce electronic communication. The following client types are required to register as an EDI user in terms of Section 101A to submit reports and declarations electronically to Customs.
The following client types are required to register with Customs to submit reports electronically via the Manifest Processing System (MPR):
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Airport authority;
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Carriers;
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Courier;
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Operators of: Groupage, Container Terminal, Wharf, Container and Degrouping Depot, Transit Shed;
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Railway authority; and
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Road Haulier.
The following client types are required to register with Custom to submit declaration electronically to Customs:
If you are a first-time EDI applicant or if you are an existing EDI client who wishes to use the Internet to transfer data, read the following document:
PKI application procedure – Client.
Which forms are required to register as an EDI user?
Before completing any forms, you need to contact a service provider to obtain the necessary software. Once that is completed, the following application forms need to be filled in.
EDI applicants using an Internet sender address must present themselves with their ID book, application forms and relevant supporting documents to the
nearest Customs Office or SARS Head Office to:
The EDI Business Administrator
Walker Creek Office Park
90 Florence Ribeiro Avenue (corner of Florence Ribeiro Avenue & Totius Street)
Nieuw Muckleneuk
Pretoria. 0181
Tel. number: 012-422 6981/5087
Clients using the X. 400 sender address can forward their application forms and relevant supporting documents directly to the EDI Administrator at the above address.
Turnaround time
The turnaround time for EDI registrations is approximately seven (7) working days.
