Customs Declaration Form DA 5 Further Amendments
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced further proposed amendments to Form DA 5 used to declare sealable goods on board ships. The goal is to simplify compliance, improve customs control, and ensure consistency with existing regulations.
What is Form DA 5?
Customs regulations provide for certain goods carried on board ships to be declared and sealed to prevent unauthorised use or sale while in port. Form DA 5 is the official declaration document that ships' masters and crew must complete to account for these sealable goods declaring unconsumed stores on board a ship and sealable personal property belonging to the ship’s master or crew.
Request for Comment
All comments can be included on the Customs & Excise Rule Amendments Comment Sheet.
Key Takeaways for Ship Operators and Crew:
Strict customs compliance is important to avoid penalties. The master and all crew members must declare sealable goods on board, including personal property and unconsumed stores.
Updated declaration requirements may change how and what goods need to be declared. Ship operators should review the new rules to ensure compliance.
Public consultation is open, those affected should review the changes and submit feedback before SARS finalises the amendments.
