SARS has taken a big step to make tax and customs processes easier and more efficient with its new Bond Automation Project. This project is part of the Customs Modernisation Program (CMP) and focuses on using technology to improve how bonds are handled.

Through this update, SARS has improved the system for registering bonds and made several key changes to help Customs and Excise clients. Now, clients can manage bonds directly on the eFiling platform through the eAccount menu, making it simpler to keep track of bond information.

Some of the updated guides now also include a new process: if clients submit supporting documents, these documents will be returned after scanning by a Branch Agent. The updated documents for this project are available through the following links:

• SC-SE-05 – Bonds – External Policy

• SC-SE-05-A01 – Bond Assessment – External Annexure

• SC-CF-19 – Registration Licensing and Accreditation – External Policy

• SC-CF-19-A01 – Documentary Requirements – External Annexure

• SC-CF-42 – Customs Trader Portal – External Guide

• SC-DT-A-04 – Manage eAccounts on eFiling – External Guide

• SE-ACC-07 – Manage eAccounts on eFiling – External Guide.

For more information and guidance visit the SARS Customs and Excise website.