GMLS (Pty) Ltd specialises in academic training, in relation to Customs Studies and International Supply Chain Security Solutions. Our accreditation and training ensures we are familiar with all the latest trends and issues, including, for instance the Revised Kyoto Convention.   We assist organisations in the Accreditation process with valuable guidance to achieve the quickest and most effective accreditation solution.

The Trusted Trade Validator will be available shortly for self-assessment accreditation. 

What is a Customs Accredited Client?

A few years ago SARS made a commitment to cleaning up the customs industry of all misconduct and fraud.

The introduction of the Siyakha programme in February 2000 gave Customs the opportunity to evaluate procedures and consider the development of an accredited client scheme. The scheme aims to fundamentally change the relationship between accredited clients and SARS Customs & Excise. This means that these clients' procedures and processes must be efficient and effective, and they must fully comply with Customs & Excise law, and the scheme tasks Customs with implementing and maintaining efficient and effective procedures to facilitate legitimate trade.

Changes to the legislation

A new subsection (64E) has been inserted into the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 to allow the Commissioner to confer accredited status on certain types of clients. It also makes provision for the Commissioner to enter into an agreement with accredited clients.

What are the scheme's benefits?

Accreditation promises the customer:

• simplified procedures (such as electronic clearance and a paperless environment);

• the constant improvement of customs processes; and

• the reduction of human intervention in transactions such as the removal of goods in bond.

In broad terms, the scheme is a relationship between a customer and SARS to:

• achieve benefits for both parties;

• stamp out misconduct and fraud;

• achieve and maintain a high level of compliance; and

• promote legitimate trade facilitation.

What does it cost to become an accredited client?

An accredited client does not have to pay a licensing fee. However, the client will have to cover the cost of:

• acquiring the accreditation system from GMLS;

• developing or making changes to in-house systems;

• introducing new internal procedures; and

• training staff.

Who can apply to be an accredited client?

Enterprises involved in customs transactions - such as importing, exporting, the running of warehouses and the movement of cargo - may qualify. These clients must be capable of maintaining high-quality operational processes and computer systems that comply with customs laws and procedures.

Client types

To apply to join the scheme you need to be:

• a person registered as an exporter or importer under the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act;

• a person licensed under the provisions of the Act as a clearing agent or remover of goods in bond; or

• a licensee of a Customs warehouse.

A person may apply for registration under one or more of these client categories, but a separate application must be submitted for each client type. If the application for accreditation is approved, accreditation will relate to the client type stated in the application form.

The scheme may be expanded to include other client types.

The criteria

To be eligible for accreditation, an applicant may be required to:

• show compliance with Customs Laws and procedures for purposes of Section 64E(1)(b)(i) for a period of five years immediately preceding the application (or for a lesser period if the Commissioner allows);

• demonstrate that his or her computer systems, if applicable; and internal operational procedures and processes will ensure compliance;

• prove that the person who will administer the accredited client requirements has sufficient knowledge of customs laws and procedures to implement and maintain an efficient and  effective accredited client compliance system;

• produce evidence of sufficient financial resources;

• sign an agreement with the Commissioner; and

• allow inspections to verify any statement in an application.

What is the application process?

• evaluating the information supplied in the application form;

• conducting an inspection (the client will be informed of the place of inspection and will be consulted about a date); and

• informing the applicant of the outcome and signing the agreement if approved.

For further information and assistance please contact us.