The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will require all foreign-registered motor vehicles entering South Africa to be declared for temporary importation starting Monday.
This change ends the previous free-movement privilege for vehicles registered in Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states. By enforcing these rules, the government aims to improve the monitoring of cross-border vehicle movements to ensure better revenue and customs control.
The new legislation applies to all border posts across South Africa. It specifically affects drivers from Lesotho and other SACU nations who previously crossed the border without these formal declarations. The system is designed to create a comprehensive record of every foreign vehicle currently within the country's borders.
SARS officials said the measure is necessary to enforce existing temporary importation rules. The agency is moving toward a more rigorous monitoring system to prevent illegal vehicle imports and ensure that temporary visitors eventually exit the country with their vehicles.
Drivers have a limited window to align with the new requirements. The compliance deadline is set for June [1]. This tight timeframe has led to reports of panic and confusion among frequent cross-border travelers who rely on the ease of movement between member states.
SARS said the system will allow for better tracking of vehicles to prevent customs evasion. The agency will utilize the declarations to verify that vehicles entering the country are not being sold illegally on the local market.
“SARS will require all foreign-registered motor vehicles entering South Africa to be declared for temporary importation.”
This policy shift represents a tightening of border controls within the Southern African Customs Union. By removing the informal movement of vehicles, South Africa is prioritizing customs revenue and the prevention of illegal vehicle sales over the regional convenience of SACU members, potentially increasing transit times at border posts.
