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Travellers urged to declare valuables before travel

With reports of South African travellers facing fines for not being able to prove their electronics and other valuables were purchased at home, Sure Travel is advising travellers to fill in the necessary customs forms before leaving the country.

This comes after claims that local customs authorities have begun enforcing a 1980s-era law that requires travellers to register their “personal effects” with South African Revenue Services (SARS) before departing South Africa if they wish to bring them back home without hassle.

Registering valuable personal items

According to a 28 May article from South African TNW, the law states travellers with electronic and other high-value “personal effects” must get a DA 65 form stamped and signed by SARS prior to leaving the country – or they might have trouble getting their personal items back to South Africa. 

Until now, the law has not been widely enforced by customs officers, however there have even been reports of recent penalties and fines from some travellers.

Don't risk the fine - declare it
Customs confusion

SARS, meanwhile, has issued conflicting statements in light of reports of fines and penalties – which have only added to travellers’ confusion:

“No traveller can be penalised for not declaring or registering their personal effects upon leaving the country. However, upon return to South Africa, the traveller may be challenged by a customs officer to provide proof of local purchase or ownership," the statement explains. 

"It is within the mandate of the customs officer to establish whether the goods fit the description of ‘new or used goods acquired whilst abroad’, which would have a duty implication and, if not declared, also a penalty implication.

“The proof referred to above may be in the form of an invoice, an insurance record, in the case of a laptop even the content on the laptop, and any other means through which the officer can use his discretionary powers to satisfy that proof,” the statement continues.

However, when TNW contacted SARS custom desks at Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo, they received contradictory information:

“TWN was advised by representatives that the DA 65 needs to be completed and stamped in order to avoid paying any kind of duty on electronics on return, even though this goes against Sars’ statement,” the news agency reported. This was echoed by several travel agents who received the same information when calling SARS for clarity.

New or used? Sometimes customs can't tell
To declare or not to declare

In light of the ongoing confusion, Sure Travel is advising travellers to complete the DA 65 form before travelling overseas, to register their personal electronics (including cameras and watches) and valuable items (such as engagement rings or other jewellery). Alternatively, travellers are advised to carry receipts for electronics and valuables.

"You definitely do not want the inconvenience after a long trip. I travel with copies of the invoices stored on my devices," advises Sure Travel CEO Vanya Lessing.

Don't pay double – declare it
At the airport

Below is where travellers can get a DA 65 form at the various international airports:

Cape Town International Airport: Located on the Departures level, if facing the check-in desks and security, turn left at the top of the escalators and walk toward the airline ticketing counters. The customs desk is round the corner from the VAT declaration desks.

OR Tambo International Airport: Customs is located in Terminal 2 Departures, about half-way along the hallway where all the airline check-in desks are located. 

King Shaka International Airport: Customs is located just behind the check-in counters in the International Departures hall.

More questions? 

Speak with your friendly Sure Travel Agent or call 0861 47 48 49 if you have any questions or concerns. 

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