SARS Registers Nearly 39,000 Foreign Vehicles on Traveller Declaration System

The revenue service said foreign vehicle owners had responded positively to earlier calls encouraging registration ahead of the implementation date.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that nearly 39,000 foreign-registered vehicles have already been registered on its newly launched digital Traveller Declaration System, as authorities begin implementing stricter customs requirements at the country's borders.

The new system officially came into effect on 1 June 2026 and requires all foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa to be declared through SARS' online customs platform before crossing the border. According to SARS, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to modernise border management, improve customs compliance and facilitate legitimate trade and travel while reducing opportunities for non-compliance and illegal activities.

Thousands Register Before Deadline

SARS reported that the response from travellers and vehicle owners has been encouraging, with more than 38,900 Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) already issued before the system's official launch.

The revenue service said foreign vehicle owners had responded positively to earlier calls encouraging registration ahead of the implementation date.

"SARS is pleased that prior to today's launch, foreign registered vehicle owners heeded the call of registration with more than 38 900 Temporary Import Permit (TIP) issued by 31 May 2026," the agency said.

The large number of registrations demonstrates growing awareness among cross-border travellers and businesses that rely on foreign-registered vehicles for trade, work and transportation activities.

New Rules Apply at All South African Borders

Under the new regulations, all travellers crossing South Africa's borders are now required to submit an online customs declaration and declare any foreign-registered vehicles they are bringing into or taking out of the country.

SARS explained that the requirements are grounded in Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act of 1964, which obliges travellers to declare all goods, including vehicles, when entering or leaving South Africa.

The system is intended to ensure greater transparency regarding the movement of goods and vehicles across borders while helping customs authorities maintain accurate records and improve enforcement capabilities.

Officials stressed that the regulations apply equally to all foreign-registered vehicles regardless of their country of origin.

SARS Leadership Monitors Implementation

To oversee the rollout of the new system, SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and senior officials visited several key border posts on the first day of implementation.

Among the ports of entry visited were:

• Skilpadshek Border Post in North West.

• Kopfontein Border Post in North West.

• Maseru Bridge Border Post.

• Ficksburg Bridge Port of Entry in the Free State.

The visits were aimed at monitoring implementation, supporting customs officials on the ground and assisting travellers as they adapted to the new digital declaration requirements.

According to SARS, the presence of senior leadership at key border crossings demonstrates the importance the organisation places on ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.

Customs Compliance Rooted in South African Law

Speaking during the launch, Commissioner Makhubu emphasised that the declaration requirements are not new obligations but rather a modernised method of enforcing existing customs legislation.

"The obligation to declare goods and vehicles at our borders is firmly rooted in South African law, which clearly states that everyone must declare everything they bring into or take out of the country," he said.

He added that SARS, working together with other law enforcement agencies, has a responsibility to enforce the law consistently and fairly while making compliance easier for law-abiding travellers.

The Commissioner stressed that the system is designed to encourage voluntary compliance by simplifying declaration processes and reducing administrative burdens for frequent travellers.

SACU Vehicles Not Exempt

One of the key clarifications provided by SARS relates to vehicles originating from neighbouring Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states.

Although SACU facilitates regional trade and economic integration, Makhubu explained that vehicles registered outside South Africa remain foreign vehicles under South African law and must therefore be declared.

"A vehicle registered outside South Africa remains a foreign vehicle under our law and must be declared as such," he said.

The Commissioner noted that this approach promotes consistency, fairness and predictability across all border posts while ensuring equal treatment of travellers regardless of where their vehicles are registered.

Understanding the Temporary Import Permit

Central to the new system is the Temporary Import Permit (TIP), which allows foreign-registered vehicles to be legally used in South Africa for a specified period.

The permit is valid for up to six months and can be used for multiple entries and exits during that period without requiring a new permit each time the vehicle crosses the border.

This arrangement is expected to benefit many individuals who travel regularly between South Africa and neighbouring countries for work, business, study or other legitimate purposes.

For example, traders, commuters and business operators who cross borders frequently will not need to re-register their vehicles on a daily basis as long as they hold a valid TIP.

The same applies to South African citizens who conduct business in neighbouring countries and use foreign-registered vehicles for business-related activities.

No Fees for Compliance

SARS has emphasised that neither the traveller declaration process nor the issuance of a Temporary Import Permit carries any cost.

"There is no charge for submitting a traveller declaration or for issuing a temporary import permit. Complying with the law shouldn't impose a financial burden," Makhubu said.

By eliminating fees, SARS hopes to encourage widespread compliance while ensuring that the new system remains accessible to all travellers.

Digital System Designed to Simplify Border Crossings

The new digital declaration process can be completed through the SARS website or the SARS MobiApp using a smartphone.

Travellers are required to submit information regarding their goods and vehicles before travelling.

Once the declaration has been completed, travellers receive a personal reference number that must be presented at the border crossing.

SARS believes the system will significantly improve the border-crossing experience by reducing paperwork, shortening waiting times and increasing predictability for travellers.

The initiative forms part of the revenue service's broader modernisation programme, which aims to replace fragmented manual processes with integrated digital systems that are faster, more transparent and easier to use.

Assistance Available for Travellers

Recognising that not all travellers may have access to online services before arriving at border posts, SARS has introduced several support measures. Travellers who have not completed declarations in advance can receive assistance from SARS officials at ports of entry. Digital kiosks have also been installed at border crossings to allow travellers to complete declarations on-site, while trained staff are available to assist with data capture and registration.

However, SARS stressed that traditional customs controls remain in place. Travellers and vehicles must still present themselves to customs officials upon arrival and may be subjected to inspections where necessary.

Modernisation Supports Trade and Compliance

According to SARS, the introduction of the Traveller Declaration System is not intended to create additional bureaucracy but rather to make border management more efficient and transparent. By allowing travellers to submit information before arriving at border posts, authorities expect smoother border operations and faster processing times.

"When travellers pre-declare and follow the rules, border processing is quicker and more predictable, and a single temporary import permit covers multiple entries. That's a real benefit for the many commuters, traders and tourists who cross our borders regularly," Makhubu said. As implementation continues, SARS expects the new system to strengthen customs compliance while supporting legitimate trade, tourism and regional economic activity.