CAPE TOWN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will require all foreign-registered vehicles to be declared online before crossing the country's borders effective next month.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the South African Revenue Service will, from June 1, require all foreign-registered vehicles to be declared on the SARS Traveller Management System prior to them entering or leaving South Africa.
SARS Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu said the measure forms part of efforts to modernize customs operations, strengthen compliance and improve border management.
Under the system, temporary import permits valid for six months may be issued for foreign vehicles temporarily brought into South Africa. The permits may be used for multiple crossings during the validity period without requiring a new application at each entry.
SARS said the permits would remain valid for travellers crossing frequently for work, study, business, medical care or other lawful purposes, provided they are renewed before expiry.
Authorities said travellers are expected to complete declarations online before arriving at border posts, although officials will assist those unable to do so electronically.
"Vehicle owners who do not declare foreign-registered vehicles or who provide false or incomplete information expose themselves to enforcement consequences and prolonged processing at the border," Makhubu said. ■