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Customs procedures for international media

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The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has clarified customs procedures and requirements for international media who intend visiting South Africa to report on the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela and related events.

There are two options available to international media when visiting South Africa for news reporting purposes and who will be importing equipment into South Africa.

For media organisations based in countries where the Carnet system is in place and is overseen by their customs and trade bodies, the Carnet will be accepted by customs in South Africa.

An International Carnet is issued by an issuing authority (generally the Chamber of Commerce) in the country of residence.

Sars said the document must be completed in full, and the traveller(s) must present all their equipment to South African Customs on arrival in the country together with the Carnet. The Customs Officer will check the goods/equipment against the Carnet and process it on the SARS system.

The other option is for media organisations based in a country with no formal or standard Carnet system in place, or where there is insufficient time to complete the Carnet process in their home countries. In this instance, SARS Customs will provide an alternative.

The media organisation must prepare a comprehensive packing list, detailing each and every individual piece of equipment being imported, along with associated identifiable markings such as serial numbers, barcode numbers etc for each piece.

The packing list must be presented, along with all the equipment, to South African Customs on arrival in the country. The Customs Officer will check the goods/equipment against the packing list and capture it on the Customs system as a temporary import. A temporary import document will be issued to the media organisation.

The temporary import document must be presented to Customs again on departure for confirmation that all goods imported temporarily are leaving the country to ensure that no tax liabilities arise after departure of the passenger as a commercial export.

It has been strongly advised that international media contact SARS before leaving their home countries if they are uncertain about any of the customs procedures and requirements.

Sars said that international media must ensure that their equipment arrives in South Africa on the same flight/aircraft as part of their luggage.

It said that if the equipment arrived on a separate flight/aircraft, it will be regarded as a cargo shipment, which will complicate the process, and which may attract customs duties and/or import VAT.

Importantly, the Carnet must be presented to Customs again on departure for confirmation that all imported goods are leaving the country.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.