A week into the pilot phase of the much talked-about SARS Traveller Declaration System, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has voiced its commitment to ensuring that the system “contributes positively to the end-to-end value chain”.
The online declaration system, which is designed to digitise customs declaration procedures as part of the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), is being piloted at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. Although currently not mandatory, the system encourages all travellers entering or leaving South Africa to voluntarily submit details of their passport, travel, contact information, travel companion, goods and cash, and entity or business details if travelling for work.
Acsa, which manages King Shaka International, voiced support for the system and said it would play a support role by continuously assessing and engaging with SARS airport officials on any impact on passenger movement.
“As an airport we are committed to supporting the initiative, and we trust it will contribute positively to the end-to-end value chain. We also view this to be in alignment with our digitisation strategy, which seeks to enhance efficiency, convenience and ease of travel, while ensuring safety, security and integrity of all our airports as ports of entry of our country,” said Nkozinathi Myataza, Acsa Regional General Manager.
“Passengers can be reassured that operational efficiencies have been prioritised through the airport working closely with our stakeholder SARS, to ensure that all the necessary contingencies are in place.”
After the pilot phase, SARS aims to progressively implement the system across all South African ports of entry by 2024.
“The new online traveller declaration system will, during the pilot phase, be fine-tuned based on insights gained as well as further engagement and feedback with various government departments and other stakeholders,” said SARS.
SARS has directed travellers to visit https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/ for more information.
