The South African Revenue Service has registered around 39,000 foreign-registered vehicles as it prepares to launch a new digital border declaration system, set to take effect from June 2026.
Image: SARS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has revealed that around 39,000 foreign-registered vehicles have already been registered as the agency rolls out its new digital border declaration system.
IOL previously reported that the revenue service announced that, from 1 June 2026, all foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa must be declared online through the Traveller Management System (TMS).
The revenue service said that the measure is part of its efforts to modernise customs, improve border security, and speed up crossings for travellers who comply with the rules.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has revealed that around 39,000 foreign-registered vehicles have already been registered
Image: SARS/X
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the new system is grounded in South African customs law and is designed to ensure consistent enforcement at all ports of entry.
“The obligation to declare goods and vehicles at our borders is firmly rooted in South African law, which clearly states that everyone must declare everything they bring into or take out of the country. As SARS, in collaboration with other state law enforcement agencies, have a duty to enforce that law consistently and fairly while making it easy for honest travellers to comply,” Makhubu said.
He added that " even vehicles from neighbouring Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries must be declared, without exception".
“SACU arrangements facilitate trade, but they do not remove customs control. A vehicle registered outside South Africa remains a foreign vehicle under our law and must be declared as such. This approach ensures equal treatment and predictability at all our borders and conforms to our strategic intent of fostering voluntary compliance.”
The revenue service also said travellers will be able to complete declarations online before arrival and receive a reference number to present at the border.
Those without access to the system will still be assisted at ports of entry through on-site support, adding that traditional customs checks will remain in place to verify declarations and inspect vehicles where necessary.
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