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30 September 2020 – Opening of ports of entry for international movement of persons and goods
The National Border Management Coordinating Committee issued a directive on 28 September 2020 to all its Ports of Entry Managers. The directive related to the announcement by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, on 16 September 2020, that travel into and out of South Africa for business, leisure and other purposes will be allowed with effect from 1 October 2020.
The directive stated that the movement of people through the ports must be subject to the protocols as guided by the relevant regulations.
28 September 2020 – Enforcement of Section 64D – Bonded Goods to be in sealed containers
4 September 2020 – Escalation procedures for Customs matters
Contact details for service-related queries in Gauteng
13 July 2020 – National classification list of COVID-19 medical supplies
30 June 2020 – Escalation procedures for Customs matters
25 June 2020 – ITAC Amended Guidelines for Rebate Item 412.11(a)
Please take note of the draft amended guidelines for paragraph (a) of rebate item 412.11/00.00/01.00 published by ITAC for comment.
Due date for comment: 29 June 2020
Please forward comments electronically to the following official, using
“Amended Guidelines for Rebate Items 412.11(a)” in the Subject line of the e-mail:
Alexander Amrein
Senior Manager: Policy and Research
E-mail: aamrein@itac.org.za
12 June 2020 – Rule amendment notice R670 in GG 43435 under sections 19A, 54AA, 105 and 120
Relief measures under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 to assist in alleviating the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Customs and Excise sphere, including – DAR197 insertion of rule 19A.11 concerning deferral of certain excise duty payments; amendment of rules 54FD.04 and 54FD.05 concerning deferral of first carbon tax submissions and payments; and insertion of rules 105.01 to 105.04 concerning instalment payment The effective date of the rule amendments is 12 June 2020, except for rule 19A.11, which commences retrospectively on 1 May 2020.
4 June 2020 –Notice of Expiration of VAT Certificate issued in terms of Schedule 1(8) of the Value-Added Tax Act, 89 of 1991, Item 412.11/00.00/01.00
Notice 305 in GG 43384 of 3 June 2020
This notice serves to advise interested parties that the global Value-Added Tax (VAT) Certificate issued by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) on 8 April 2020 under Schedule 1(8) of the Value-Added Tax Act, 89 of 1991, Item No. 412.11/00.00/01.00 (Rebate Item 412.11) will expire at midnight on Friday, 5 June 2020.
29 May 2020 – ITAC reminder on rebate certificates’ expiry date
ITAC has published a reminder that rebate certificates issued under Rebate Item 412.11/00.00/01.00 will expire on 31 May 2020.
20 May 2020 – Second Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief and Relief Administration Bill
National Treasury and SARS publish the 2nd revised 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and revised Draft Notice on Expanding Access to Living Annuity Funds. These are published to provide early feedback on issues raised through public comment on the revised COVID-19 Draft Tax Bills published on 1 May 2020 that are time critical for payroll and other aspects to be implemented in May 2020.
The 3rd revised 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill, as well as the Notice on Expanding Access to Living Annuity Funds, will be published by the end of May to take into account all public comments received on the revised COVID-19 Draft Tax Bills published on 1 May 2020. They provide the necessary legislative amendments required to implement the tax measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media Statement: Publication of the 2nd revised COVID-19 Draft Tax Bill and extension of time for public comments on specific 2020 tax proposals
Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill – 19 May 2020
Draft Explanatory Memorandum on the Revised Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill – 19 May 2020
Notices – Expanding access to living annuities – 19 May 2020
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.
8 May 2020 –ITAC VAT Rebate 412.11 List of CRITICAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES re COVID-19 (Version 3 – 6 May 2020)
The revised list includes a revised classification of plastic face shields from 3926.20 to 3926.90.
8 May 2020 – Update on 412.11 and 621.08
7 May 2020 – Request for Duty Payment Relief
6 May 2020 – SARS VAT 412.11 Mapping of ESSENTIAL GOODS re COVID-19 – 6 May 2020
As published on 3 April 2020, the SARS VAT Rebate 412.11 provides a mapping of essential goods with reference to Annexure B of the Regulations (R.398, Government Gazette No. 43148 of 25 March 2020) under the Disaster Management Act, 2002.
The revised list includes plastic face shields.
4 May 2020 –Publication of Notice, Regulation and ITAC VAT Rebate Item 412.11 Updated list of CRITICAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Notice 487 in Government Gazette No. 43266 of 4 May 2020: Direction by the Minister of Finance in terms of the Regulations (R.480 in Government Gazette No. 43258 of 29 April 2020) issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, relating to essential financial services
Regulation R.480 in Government Gazette No. 43258 of 29 April 2020
ITAC VAT Rebate 412.11 CRITICAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES re COVID-19 (Version 2 – 4 May 2020) to include Acetaminophenol (bottom of first page), classifiable in tariff subheading 2924.29.05, for use in the manufacture of medicaments
1 May 2020 – Revised COVID-19 Draft Tax Bills and Draft rule amendments
Media statement – Publication of the revised COVID-19 Draft Tax Bills for public comment
Revised Draft Bill – Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill, 2020
Revised Draft Bill – Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill, 2020
Draft Explanatory Memorandum on the Revised Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill
Draft rule amendments under Customs and Excise Act 1964 – COVID-19 Relief Measures
National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) publish, for public comment, the revised 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill. These Bills give effect to the media statement issued by National Treasury on 24 April 2020 regarding further tax measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, following the address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 21 April 2020. The revised 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and the 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill provide the necessary legislative amendments required to implement the further tax measures aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic and also take into account public comments received on the initial batch of COVID-19 draft tax bills published on 1 April 2020.
Public comment to be submitted by 15 May 2020 to 2020AnnexCProp@treasury.gov.za and Adele Collins at acollins@sars.gov.za.
24 April 2020 – Update to the 9 April post of what other countries are doing during the COVID 19 Pandemic (Eswatini and Lesotho)
22 April 2020 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) relating to essential goods, clearance and movement of goods, and services rendered by Customs under the COVID-19 lockdown
Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002
19 April 2020 – Update: Customs measures relating to COVID-19 – Impact on Customs of new Government regulations
This replaces the notes of 6 and 7 April relating to Transportation of Cargo.
Remarks by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on the amended regulations – 16 April 2020
Government Notice – 16 April 2020
17 April 2020 – Requests for duty deferment payment relief
17 April 2020 – Updated Letter to Trade: Update on the new Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system
14 April 2020 – Application of Origin proof requirement during the COVID-19 crisis under the SADC-EU-EPA
South Africa and the European Commission has relaxed the requirement to insist on the presentation or submission of original certificates of origin to prove the originating status of goods at the time of clearance. Instead, copies or electronic versions of proof of origin will be accepted in an attempt to curb the spread of the COVID-19. In South Africa, the relaxation of the rules is subject to the submission of the original certificates within 12 months after being issued in the European Union (EU). While Article 26 to Protocol I of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) requires the submission of an original proof of origin within ten (10) months, SARS will honour or accept copies or electronic versions of certificates of origin while awaiting the submission of the original versions within twelve (12) months after being issued in the EU.
Traders are encouraged to register for the generous Approved Exporter Scheme, within the meaning of Article 25 to Protocol I of the SADC-EU EPA, which allows an Origin Declaration to be presented in the importing country no longer than two (2) years after the importation of the products to which it relates. Kindly direct all enquiries in relation to this matter to Mr Alfred Ramoroka at aramoroka@sars.gov.za.
9 April 2020 – Goods qualifying for import VAT exemption under item 412.11 – COVID-19 measures (Updated the 3 April message on 9 April 2020 to reflect additional exclusion communicated by ITAC, with effect from 8 April 2020)
SARS wishes to clarify that “essential goods” as defined in Regulation R.398 in Government Gazette No 43148 of 25 March 2020, other than the goods mentioned below, are exempt from VAT on importation under item 412.11/00.00/01.00 to Schedule 1 of the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991, read with section 13(3) of that Act.
Goods that are not exempt from VAT on importation are goods that the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has indicated are: 1) dutiable (and no ITAC certificate under item 412.11 of Schedule No. 4 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, has been issued);
2) subject to the duties referred to in 1) but are entering South Africa duty free because of a preferential trade agreement or other agreement, such as a customs union;
3) the subject of applications for duty support that are currently pending before ITAC; and
4) manufactured by domestic industry and ITAC has determined such industry is being or is likely to be injured by imports.
See the illustrative mapping of essential goods to their relevant tariff headings. The illustrative mapping has been prepared at a high level and may include non-essential goods. e.g. Chapters 28 and 29 contain chemicals that are not used for essential goods. Importers must ensure that only essential goods are cleared under item 412.11 to avoid penalties.
Goods excluded from the import VAT exemption under 1) are those goods that are subject to an ordinary customs duty, as set out in Schedule No. 1, or trade remedies (anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard duty), as set out in Schedule No. 2 to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964. Goods excluded under 2) are also set out in these Schedules. A list of goods excluded under 3) and 4) is available in the relevant ITAC certificate. Click here for the ITAC import VAT certificate dated 30 March 2020. Click here for the ITAC import VAT certificate dated 8 April 2020.
Goods that qualify for VAT exemption and are not dutiable fall under the certificate issued by ITAC in this regard and no individual applications need be submitted to SARS or ITAC.
Importation will follow the normal procedure described in the external policy SC-CF-55 – Clearance declaration external policy. The VAT exemption is only valid for direct importations and not to be cleared into bond or warehousing. CPC A 14 must be used for importations from outside SACU and CPC A 12 for importations from the BLNS, with measure 412.11/00.00/01.00.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS Customs has also set up a command centre to deal with escalations that may have not been dealt with at branch level. Your existing call reference number, transaction (SSM/LRN) can then be sent to osc@sars.gov.za. To save duplication and time, clients are reminded that queries must be sent to the relevant branch/processing centre.
Please note that the VAT treatment of the local supply of goods by an importer or any other vendor is unaffected by the import VAT exemption. The normal provisions of the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991, apply.
9 April 2020 – SADC Guidelines on Harmonisation and Facilitation of Cross Border Transport Operations across the Region During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated on 15 April with neighbouring countries details)
Domestic, interstate and international travel have proven to be one of the main ways the COVID-19 virus is spreading among communities, nations and globally. There is therefore a need to limit travelling and freight movements to the absolutely essential only.
Botswana: Extraordinary Gazette 02-04-2020 and Extraordinary Gazette 05-04-2020
Lesotho
eSwatini
9 April 2020 – Notice No. R.458 in Government Gazette No. 43222
Rule amendment to substitute Rule 24.03 to provide for the exemption of foreign-going ships or aircraft from the payment of duty on stores consumed on such ships in any port in the Republic, or on an aircraft on a flight between any places in the Republic for the duration of the national state of disaster. With retrospective effect from 23 March 2020.
3 April 2020 – Goods qualifying for a full rebate of customs duty and import VAT exemption under 412.11 – COVID-19 measures Importation of supplies critical to the national state of disaster necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic can be done free of duty and VAT into South Africa. Importers are required to apply to ITAC for a certificate to use that qualifies them to import under rebate item 412.11. Qualifying products referred to as “critical supplies” are listed on the ITAC website, as is the application form and the SOP. The importation of these goods will follow the normal Customs procedure described in the external policy SC-CF-55. The rebate item is only valid for direct importations and no bonded or warehouse clearances will be permitted under this rebate item. CPC A 14 must be used for importations from outside SACU and CPC A 12 for importations from the BLNS, with measure 412.11/00.00/01.00. If requested to provide supporting documents to Customs, the client would need to upload the certificate issued to the importer by ITAC, along with the standard set of supporting documents to substantiate the import declaration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS Customs has also set up a command centre to deal with escalations that may have not been dealt with at branch level. Your existing call reference number, transaction (SSM/LRN) can then be sent to osc@sars.gov.za. To save duplication and time, clients are reminded that queries must be sent to the relevant branch/processing centre.
3 April 2020 – Treatment of timeframes during period of national lockdown
Please Note that the Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill, 2020 has been published on the SARS website for public comment. The closing date for comments is 15 April 2020. In terms of proposed clause 5(2)(a)(i) of the Bill, certain time periods prescribed in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, are suspended for the duration of the national lockdown as defined in clause 1 of the Bill. The time periods that are not extended during the national lockdown are dealt with in clause 5(2)(a)(ii). In respect of these time periods, the current provisions of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, will apply. Current provisions in terms of the Customs and Excise Act in relation to interest and penalties will continue to apply in respect of non-compliance.
2 April 2020 – COVID-19 Export Control Regulation
SARS has been requested by the Department of Trade and Industry to add the listed goods to its prohibited and restricted list (P&R list) for purposes of export control. It is not a ban. Traders may apply to the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) for an export permit, and if granted the goods may be exported. See the Notice R.429 for more information.
2 April 2020 – Processing of Rules of Origin certificates during lockdown
Customs clients submitting Certificates of origin, including: Form A, EUR1, SADC, MERCOSUR and AGOA, will continue to do so at their local branch as per communique dated 26 March 2020 (using an appointment process). However, clients in Durban and Cape Town are advised that Certificates of origin will only be processed during the lockdown period on the following days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A skeleton staff complement will be deployed to these two Customs hubs to assist on the abovementioned days for limited hours. Please note that receipt and collection of the certificates is to be done between 08:00 and 12:00 on those three days only.
The hubs are situated at:
Durban: Albany House
61/62 Margaret Mncadi ave
Cape Town: SARS Project 166
22 Hans Strydom Avenue
1 April 2020 – Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief and Relief Administration Bill
Following the media statement issued by the Minister of Finance on 29 March 2020 on Tax Measures to Combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) today publish, for public comment, the 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and the 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill. These draft Bills provide the necessary legislative amendments required to implement the COVID-19 tax measures. The measures contained in these draft Bills will take effect on 1 April 2020:
Media Statement: Publication of COVID-19 Draft Tax Bills for public comment
Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill – 1 April 2020
Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill – 1 April 2020
Draft Explanatory Memorandum on the Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill – 1 April 2020
27 March 2020 – Clarity relating to processing of cargo and travellers during national lockdown period
27 March 2020 – VAT exemption for essential goods on importation (29 March – Updated to reflect scope of customs duty rebate and 3 April – Updated with contact details)
Due to the measures put in place under the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, “essential goods” as defined in Regulation R.398 in Government Gazette No. 43148 of 25 March 2020 will be subject to a VAT exemption on importation during the COVID-19 pandemic, under Item 412.11/00.00/01.00 of Schedule 1 to the Value Added Tax Act 89 of 1991. A full rebate of customs duty under rebate item 412.11 of Schedule No. 4 to the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 is available where ITAC has approved the rebate for the goods concerned. Visit the ITAC website for information relating to the full rebate of customs duty under Covid-19 Rebate Item 412.11 Queries specific to classification may be addressed to Selloane Molebatsi at SMolebatsi3@sars.gov.za and Lmadileng@sars.gov.za.
26 March 2020 – Timeframe for the export of goods by vendors and qualifying purchasers affected by COVID-19
26 March 2020 – Rebate Item 621.08 – Special conditions for certain recipients of partially or undenatured ethyl alcohol
26 March 2020 – Arrangements for Customs services during lockdown and Customs Branch Managers contact details
26 March 2020 – Limitation of refunds and drawbacks received by the Controller in terms of Section 76b which falls within the period 27 March 2020 to 16 April 2020
25 March 2020 – Letter to Trade on the impact of COVID-19
25 March 2020 – 12-13th Deferments Payment at the end of the financial year 2019-2020
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.
17 March 2020 – Letter to Trade – Impact of Corona virus on Trade and the list of closed ports.
12 March 2020 – Update on Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA)
4 March 2020 – The new Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system will go live on eFiling and in Customs branches from 20 April 2020. Watch this space for more information.
3 March 2020 – PT/AEO update
20 February 2020 – 13th Deferment payment at the end of the Financial year 2019/2020
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19 August 2020 – Payment deferment extension periods: Excise Duty
SARS Excise Alcohol and Tobacco Licensees are notified about the latest payment deferment extension periods due to restrictions on the sale of these products under the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions:
Wine and Spirits
Beer and Tobacco
23 June 2020 – Rules under Sections 107A and 110 of the Customs & Excise Act of 1964: Lenient approach in respect of enforcement actions
Please take note that a lenient approach will be adopted in respect of enforcement actions relating to the abovementioned rules until 31 July 2020. This is aimed at giving clients ample time to obtain registration as required in terms of rule 107A.01 and to
become compliant with the requirements in respect of product counters under section 110, read more. Also see the Legal Notice published in this regard.
12 June 2020 – Rule amendment notice R670 in GG 43435 under sections 19A, 54AA, 105 and 120
Relief measures under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 to assist in alleviating the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Customs and Excise sphere, including – DAR197 insertion of rule 19A.11 concerning deferral of certain excise duty payments; amendment of rules 54FD.04 and 54FD.05 concerning deferral of first carbon tax submissions and payments; and insertion of rules 105.01 to 105.04 concerning instalment payment
The effective date of the rule amendments is 12 June 2020, except for rule 19A.11, which commences retrospectively on 1 May 2020.
25 May 2020 – Tobacco leaf dealers and product counters
24 April 2020 – Tax Relief measures: Three-month deferral for filing and first payment of carbon tax
In line with the economic stimulus package announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the filing requirement and the first carbon tax payment which was due by 31 July 2020 will be delayed to 31 October 2020.
31 March 2020 – SARS has published a streamlined temporary registration process for traders to register as rebate users in the manufacturing of disinfectants for the duration of the national state of disaster.For more information, see the SARS letter COVID-19 communication – clarity regarding the use of ethyl alcohol in the manufacturing of hand sanitisers. The process is documented in the Government Gazette No. 43156 No. R.411.
24 January 2020 – Excise duty and levy submission and payment dates for 2020/2021
17 October 2019 – The Carbon Tax webpage was published.
12 February 2019 – Excise duty and levy submission and payment dates for
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