New Draft Traveller Declaration Rules are Issued for Comment
This article will count 0.25 units (15 minutes) of unverifiable CPD. Remember to log these units under your membership profile.
To move toward a smarter, more secure border control, SARS has released Draft amendments to rules and forms under sections 15 and 120 of the Customs and Excise Act dealing with the reporting of goods, cash, and personal items when entering or leaving South Africa. These draft amendments are a key part of the new South African Traveller Management System, first announced in Budget 2023. The system is designed to move traveller declarations into the digital age, improving efficiency, reducing fraud, and enhancing national security. While the system will focus on electronic declarations, SARS has also published draft versions of two manual forms for use in special cases, ensuring flexibility while the country transitions into the new model.
What’s Changing?
All travellers entering or exiting South Africa will soon be required to submit a traveller declaration, including:
Personal details
Travel information
Goods carried (especially restricted/prohibited items)
Currency and negotiable instruments over R25,000
Two new draft forms are available for comment:
These rules also support compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, helping track cross-border movement of large cash amounts and financial instruments.
Your Comments Matter
SARS is inviting the public, especially those in travel, trade, and professional advisory roles, to comment on the proposed forms and processes. Input must be submitted using the official Customs & Excise Rule Amendments Comment Sheet.
