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South African Revenue Service – Implementation of advance loading notice

We would like to inform you about the changes in submission process for cargo moving into South Africa, which commenced 20th April 2018.

As of this date, carriers will be responsible for the timely submission (via EDI) of the Reporting of Conveyances and Goods (RCG) to SARS (South African Revenue Service).

For any containerised cargo loaded at any port outside South Africa, and which is bound for a port within South Africa, the carrier must submit RCG for each consignment latest 24 hours prior loading at each loading port. This applies to import, international transit and transhipment cargo movements.

Clearing agents will also be responsible to submit forwarder/NVOCC House BLs if required. These bills should quote the carrier Master BL number.

Please note that SARS base their acceptable cargo descriptions on the same guideline as EU. Vague descriptions and general terms such as “Freight All Kinds”, “Consolidated Cargo”, General Cargo” etc are not acceptable. You can refer to the complete guideline here:

https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/resources/documents/customs/customs_code/guidance_acceptable_goods_description_en.pdf

Amendments must be submitted by the filer if any details are changed in the BL, and there is currently no deadline for submitting changes during initial release of RCG.

SARS have not yet communicated the potential penalties for failing to comply with the regulation, but we will advise as soon as these are known.

You can also view the official guidelines on the below website:

http://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/AboutCustoms/Pages/Reporting-of-Conveyances-and-Goods.aspx

We thank you in advance for your cooperation with this procedure, and if you have any questions please contact your local customer services representative.

Attached is a PDF document, containing the same information for easy reference.