Delegates attending the WCAR should obtain a carnet in their country of residence, which will assist in the clearance of the media equipment. This would be used for the import and subsequent re-export of such goods.

The procedure to clear items in terms of a carnet is as follows:

• Obtain carnet in country of residence.
• The consignee would approach Customs at the SAA Freight building and present the carnet.
• A DA 306-import document is then completed and the goods detained by Customs for identification purposes. Once identified against the goods listed on the carnet, the goods are released.
• Once the Conference has concluded, the same equipment is exported using the same carnet. The same export supervision procedures, as shown below, apply.

If delegates are not in possession of a carnet, formal customs clearance would be required. This would entail the parties in question retaining the services of a clearing agent.

The procedure would be as follows:

• Identify the clearing agent.
• Hand over documentation to the agent to facilitate clearance.
• Supply sufficient surety as to cover temporary import. Once paid, the import entry (General Rebate – Rebate item 490.90 refers) may be submitted for checking and the goods stopped for identification purposes for a subsequent examination. After identification, goods are released.
• At the conclusion of the Conference, the goods are exported under Customs supervision. Once the equipment that has been identified as the same as that which was imported, the export proceeds. Extra attendance fees will have to be paid at the rate of R 50/hour for supervision purposes.
• All documentation required for the liquidation of surety is presented to Customs and, if in order, the initial deposit is refunded.
• The temporary import is deemed to have been acquitted.

Important note:

From a logistical and planning point of view, a carnet is the easiest way to facilitate clearance.

What has been explained above relates to the clearance of unaccompanied freight consignments. Accompanied passenger baggage would be dealt with in essentially the same way.

For further assistance contact:

Russel Mackenzie
Branch Manager
Customs and Excise
SARS
Durban International Airport
Tel: +27-31-469 0212