Delays at Durban Harbour or OR Tambo aren’t just part of doing business — they can pull the brakes on your whole operation. A shipment stuck at the port means cash tied up, clients left waiting, and costs piling up for reasons that have nothing to do with your products or service.
The worst part? Most of these headaches come down to a simple admin slip: not linking your e-Filing profile properly with the SARS Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation (RLA) platform.
This is the new normal for South African importers and exporters. SARS has ramped up compliance for everyone moving goods in or out of the country. If your details don’t match — think VAT number, importer/exporter code, or clearing agent information — your shipment is going nowhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re shipping machinery from Joburg or wine from the Cape. If your e-Filing profile isn’t sorted, your goods could be stuck faster than you can say “customs clearance.”
Here’s how to keep your business moving and your shipments out of the dreaded customs backlog.
SARS Has Tightened VAT Number Checks — Here’s What Changed
Let’s be real: SARS isn’t playing around anymore. It used to be that as long as you had a valid VAT number, you could get away with a mismatch here or there. Now? If your VAT number isn’t linked to the right importer/exporter code, or if Box 8 on your customs declaration doesn’t match up exactly, your declaration is rejected on the spot. No second chances.
This isn’t just a paperwork issue. One wrong detail means your shipment gets held up, your VAT refund is delayed, and you’re left scrambling to fix a problem that could have been avoided with a quick online check.
Keep Your Goods Moving — Here’s What You Need to Do
Check Your Details — Don’t Assume They’re Right
Jump onto the SARS e-Filing portal and make sure your VAT number and customs code are linked. Double-check every bit of info — a single typo can grind everything to a halt.Use the RLA Process to Fix Issues
If you spot a mismatch, fix it immediately using the RLA onboarding tool on e-Filing. If you get stuck, SARS branches are open to help — don’t be shy to ask.Get Box 8 Right — Every Time
That little box on your customs documents is a big deal. The VAT number and entity name must match SARS records exactly. No exceptions. No “close enough.”- Talk to Your Logistics Partners
Your clearing agents, freight forwarders, and logistics providers (think DHL Express) should be in the loop. Make sure they have your latest details — it’s a team effort to avoid customs chaos.
Why Linking Your E-Profile Is More Important Than Ever
This isn’t just admin for admin’s sake. Linking your profile is about protecting your entire supply chain.
You’re not just ticking a box — you’re making sure your goods flow smoothly, your customers get what they need, and your business stays competitive. One delay can mean storage fees, missed deadlines, and awkward calls to angry clients. And with SARS now suspending non-compliant traders, the risks are higher than ever.
Don’t wait for a disaster to force your hand. Act now, and you’ll save yourself a world of pain (and a pile of unnecessary costs).
What Every Trader Needs to Know (and Do Right Now)
It’s Not Instant: SARS says the process can take at least 5 working days once you submit your info. Don’t wait until your shipment is already at the port.
Non-Compliance Can Shut You Down: From 25 April 2025, SARS started suspending traders who aren’t linked up correctly. No link, no trade.
Guides and Help Are Available: SARS has a step-by-step PDF guide for the Customs Trader Portal, and regular updates. Prefer a video? Watch the tutorial here.
Direct Support: If you hit a wall, email rlaregistrations@sars.gov.za for help.
Missed the Clearance Window? Here’s What It’ll Cost You
If your shipment isn’t cleared within 14 days, it’s going to the Customs State Warehouse. That means extra clearance fees, penalties, and storage charges — all because of a paperwork oversight.
Get Ahead — Protect Your Business and Your Reputation
SARS’s new rules aren’t going anywhere, and neither are the consequences for non-compliance. But the good news? Staying ahead is simple — just update your e-Filing profile, make sure everything’s linked, and talk to your logistics partners before things go sideways.
Don’t leave it to chance. Use this weekend to check your RLA status, download the SARS guide, or phone your customs broker. Being proactive isn’t just about ticking the compliance box — it’s about keeping your customers happy, your business growing, and your shipments moving.
The clock’s ticking. Link, verify, and keep your business on the move — the South African way.
