New Requirement for Invoice Details on Customs Declarations from 1 April 2025

Written By Eszter Rapanos

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a new requirement for invoice data to be included in all electronic customs declarations starting 1 April 2025. This move aims to enhance compliance, improve efficiency, and strengthen trade facilitation.

Key Requirements:

📌 Mandatory Invoice Data

  • All customs declarations must now include invoice details.

  • Missing invoice data increases the likelihood of an audit or document inspection.

📌 Compliance Consequences

  • Traders who fail to provide invoice data may be required to upload invoices as supporting documentation, causing potential delays in customs clearance.

📌 Digitalization & Efficiency

  • SARS emphasises that this update is part of its commitment to digitalization, making customs processes more efficient and transparent.

Next Steps for Businesses:

  • Ensure all customs declarations include correct invoice details.

  • Advise clients and traders to update their systems to comply with this requirement.

  • Prepare for potential audit requests if invoice data is missing.

Read more in the SARS Letter to Trade.

Eszter Rapanos
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