News, Updates, & Resources

How proper documentation helps avoid costly customs delays by Vusi NgcoboFew things are more frustrating than a shipment being delayed at customs. Goods that were expected to move smoothly suddenly come to a standstill. Customers start asking questions, production...

Why top importers/exporters build a culture of customs compliance by Vusi NgcoboFor many businesses, customs compliance is something that is addressed only when necessary. It is often seen as an administrative requirement that sits in the background until a problem...

Turning customs compliance into a competitive advantage by Vusi NgcoboMany businesses see customs compliance as an administrative burden, but experienced importers and exporters understand something important: strong compliance is not just about avoiding penalties. It...

The 7 questions to ask before signing with a clearing agent by Vusi NgcoboChoosing a clearing agent is one of the most important decisions an importer or exporter will make. While many businesses see clearing agents simply as service providers who process paperwork,...

The smart way to register as an Importer or Exporter  by Vusi NgcoboFor many South African businesses, expanding into international trade is a logical next step. Yet the process of becoming a registered Importer or exporter is often where enthusiasm collides with...

Is it Ignorance or Abuse of Law? by Vusi NgcoboRecently, one of South Africa’s major supermarket chains approached us after being audited by SARS. The audit outcome letter raised a single but significant finding against them. The client had imported fresh garlic from...

Mageja to Your Rescue by Vusi NgcoboA few weeks ago, a clearing agent reached out to us in frustration. His client’s goods—three containers in transit through South Africa to Zambia—had been detained at the Cape Town port.  The problem? SARS was demanding R40,000 per...

From the Courts: Key Takeaways from a Recent SARS Dispute by Vusi NgcoboAt Mageja Customs Consulting, we closely monitor legal disputes involving SARS, particularly cases that make their way to court. A recent high court case between Southern Ambition 1942 CC and...

South Africa and Nigeria Sign Mutual Assistance Agreement to Strengthen Trade Compliance by Vusi Ngcobo.  South Africa has taken a significant step in improving cross-border trade compliance by signing a Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement (MAAA) with Nigeria....

South African Revenue Service Payment Rules1 SUMMARY a) This document details the payment rules that must be adhered to when paying the South African Revenue Service (SARS), to ensure timeous and accurate payment allocation.b) When making a payment, all SARS clients...

Invitation to Webinar on Empowering Women and Persons with Disabilities in Trade withSARS and Partner StakeholdersDear Trader,The South African Revenue Service (SARS) in collaboration with the following key stakeholders, invites you to a webinar on Empowering Women...

INCREASED CUSTOMS PENALTY AMOUNTS RAISE CONCERNS IN THE TRADE INDUSTRY by Vusi NgcoboWhat's Happening?    It has come to our attention that SARS has increased the penalty amounts payable when in contravention of the Customs and Excise Act.  A Customs external...

Incorrect Rumours Regarding Customs & Import Permits  by Vusi NgcoboThere is a video currently making rounds in the social media. I got it through one of my WhatsApp contacts. In the video, there is a gentleman who appears to be Traffic policeman, wearing a...

Defending The Vulnerable in Customs Law  by Vusi NgcoboMageja Customs Consulting was recently called upon to intervene in a case that demonstrated once again how those that do not fully understand the customs law can be abused and made to pay huge amounts of money...

Defending The Vulnerable in Customs Law by Vusi NgcoboOn election day, 29 May 2024, I was contacted by a highly frustrated and irritated individual dealing with a customs issue. The person indicated that he was calling me from Eswatini. Although I was supposed to have...

Exciting news for the Southern African Customs Union by Vusi NgcoboRecently the World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program funded by the UK; His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC); partnering with the Southern African Customs...

Tariff Determinations Publishing by Vusi NgcoboThere are some very interesting developments in the space of tariff determinations. SARS announced on the 14th of May 2024 that they will start publishing tariff determinations that they make in line with the legislative...

Tariff Determinations Publishing by Vusi NgcoboThis is the first thought that came to mind when I became aware of a bizzare case involving some or other campaign currently being driven in the Customs offices of the Northern Cape. Some of my clients have been receiving...