Importers, exporters, and other economic operators involved in the supply chain for goods should be aware that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program was expanded as from 23 July 2021 to enable participation by all economic operators in the supply chain and to offer additional benefits that aim to facilitate cross-border trade (“trade facilitation benefits”). In addition, the “Registration, Licensing and Accreditation” (RLA) system, the online platform launched in April 2020 that facilitates the submission and management of certain applications, is in the process of being expanded to be available for applications by additional types of “clients” (persons or enterprises conducting business with SARS). This article provides an overview of AEO programs in general, the SARS AEO program, and the RLA system.
Source Deloitte
