South Africa to launch a pilot implementation of its new online traveller declaration! [update #2]

update (18 November 2022): The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced in a briefing earlier this week that the new South African Traveller Online Declaration System simply offers a new way to digitally declare goods, in the same way travellers currently have to do through customs in paper form. This new system is planned to be rolled out at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban on 29 November 2022. It will be on a voluntary basis. Travellers will still be allowed in South Africa without electronic online declaration. However, the original method of the declaration must then be followed.

update (15 November 2022): South Africa's new Traveller Declaration System will be piloted at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban at the end of November 2022.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released a new press release regarding its new online traveller declaration. During November 2022, SARS will launch a pilot implementation of an electronic online portal for travellers to make declarations on a voluntary basis, well ahead of their arrival or departure to/from South Africa. This pilot will initially be implemented at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. The new system will allow travelers to pre-declare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired. For travellers who choose not to use the on-line portal on their mobile devices, SARS will make available a paper form as well self-service counters at our terminals. A number of Customs Officers will also have hand-held devices to assist travellers, and facilitate passage. Travellers will be permitted to continue to use the travellers card if they so choose.
According to SARS, the new online traveller declaration system will, during the pilot phase, be fine-tuned based on insights gained as well as further engagement and feedback with various government departments and other stakeholders. Progressive implementation across all South African ports of entry, will commence as from 01 April 2023. We'll keep you posted!