BUSINESS NEWS - The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has officially launched its new digital Traveller Declaration System, making it mandatory for all travellers entering or leaving South Africa to submit an online customs declaration from 1 June.
The new system also requires travellers to declare any foreign-registered vehicles brought into the country, in line with Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act.
The move forms part of Sars’ broader effort to modernise border management, streamline travel and trade, and clamp down on non-compliance.
Nearly 39 000 vehicles registered ahead of deadline
Encouraging early compliance, Sars confirmed that more than 38 900 Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) had already been issued by 31 May.
This indicates that thousands of foreign vehicle owners responded ahead of the official rollout, easing pressure on border posts as the system comes into effect.
Commissioner leads rollout at key border posts
Sars Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu, alongside senior officials, visited several major ports of entry on launch day, including:
- Skilpadshek Border Post
- Kopfontein Border Post
- Maseru Bridge
- Ficksburg Bridge
The visits are aimed at ensuring smooth implementation, supporting frontline officers, and assisting travellers as the new system goes live nationwide.
Declaration of foreign vehicles now mandatory
Under the new rules, all foreign-registered vehicles – including those from Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries – must be declared and issued with a TIP upon entry.
A TIP allows a foreign vehicle to be used legally in South Africa for up to six months and permits multiple entries and exits during that period without requiring re-registration.
Makhubu stressed that SACU agreements do not remove the requirement for customs control.
“A vehicle registered outside South Africa remains a foreign vehicle under our law and must be declared as such,” he said.
Free, simple process aims to boost compliance
Sars emphasised that both the online traveller declaration and the issuing of a TIP are free of charge.
Travellers are required to pre-declare their goods and vehicles via the Sars website or mobile app, receiving a reference number to present at the border.
“Modernisation is not about adding red tape, but about replacing manual processes with systems that are simpler, faster and more transparent,” Makhubu said.
Digital tools to reduce border delays
The new system is designed to reduce congestion and improve predictability at ports of entry, particularly for frequent cross-border travellers such as traders, commuters and tourists.
Those unable to complete declarations in advance will still be assisted at border posts through on-site kiosks and Sars officials.
Despite the digital shift, traditional customs checks remain in place, and travellers may still be subject to inspections where necessary.
Focus on fairness and consistent enforcement
Sars says the new measures are grounded in fairness and equal treatment, ensuring that all travellers comply with the same legal requirements.
With the system now live, the revenue service is urging travellers to familiarise themselves with the process to avoid delays and ensure smooth passage across South Africa’s borders.
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