Here follows a list of various international and South African websites relating to COVID-19, which provide information guidelines and procedures to assist Customs administrations and relevant stakeholders in the international supply chain.
This page will be updated as and when new information occurs. All new material will be referenced by “New” after the heading or document.
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANISATION
The WCO COVID-19 webpage provides a dedicated COVID-19 webpage covering a variety of guidelines fro its membership. Some of the key documents are the following –
- How to establish and utilize essential goods lists during a disaster
- List of priority medicines for Customs during COVID-19
- WCO Guidance on how to communicate during a crisis
- Role of Customs in natural disaster relief
- Temporary import measures
- Temporary import support measures taken by members
- Temporary export measures
- HS Classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies
- HS Classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies – 2nd Edition
- HS Classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies – Edition 2.1
- Simplified clearance – RKC Guidelines Chapter 5, of Specific Annex J
- COVID-19 Urgent Notice: counterfeit medical supplies and introduction of export controls on personal protective equipment
- OCHA Guidance note on the Importation and Customs clearance of Medicines and Medical Equipment in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)
- 3rd Edition – Compendium of Customs Members approach to COVID-19
WORLD BANK
Maintaining trade flows during the COVID-19 pandemic will be crucial in providing access to essential food and medical items and in limiting negative impacts on jobs and poverty. The World Bank has identified three key areas where governments can ameliorate the impact. The following documents provide initial guidance for policymakers on best practices to mitigate pandemic-related trade risks, support trade facilitation and logistics, and implement trade policy in a time of crisis –
- Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade in the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Do’s and Don’ts of Trade Policy in Response to COVID-19
- Trade in Critical COVID-19 Products
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
Office of Fiscal Affairs has issued a Note which draws on revenue administrations’ current responses to the COVID-19 crisis and previous IMF guidance on earlier crises—adapted to the special circumstances of the current crisis. Specific measures are provided under six broad headings: (I) Business Continuity; (II) Easing Taxpayer Obligations; (III) Implementing Government Support Policies; (IV) Enhancing Communication and Taxpayer Assistance; (V) Protecting Revenue and Safeguarding Compliance; and (VI) Customs Administration.
WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION
INTERPOL
INTERPOL has released international guidelines in order to enhance the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement and first responder support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC ASSOCIATION (AIR)
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (SEA)
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ROAD)
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE (SARS)
The Customs and Excise Home Page provides various updates relating to legal and procedural matters. Some of the key documents are as follows –
- Letter in regard to Rebate Items 412.11 and 621.08 concerning the importation and manufacture of essential goods and critical supplies (dated 8 May 2020)
- Position of neighbouring countries in regard to cross border movements under COVID-19
- Update: Position of Neighbouring countries in regard to cross-border movements under COVID-19 (dated 24 April 2020)
- Arrangements for Customs Service during the lockdown period
- Rebate Item 621.08
- Timeframe fro export of goods by vendors or qualifying purchasers affected by COVID-19
- COVID-19 Export Control Regulation (ITAC)
- Goods [critical supplies] qualifying for a full rebate of customs duty and import VAT exemption under 412.11 – COVID-19 measures (ITAC)
- Updated List of essential Goods (Critical Supplies)for import VAT exemption under item 412.11 Ver.2 (dated 4 May 2020)
- ITAC Import VAT Certificate (dated 30 March 2020)
- ITAC Import VAT Certificate (dated 8 April 2020)
- Illustrative mapping of essential goods to their respective HS headings
- Updated Illustrative mapping of essential goods to their respective HS headings (dated 6 May 2020)
- Updated Illustrative mapping of essential goods to their respective HS Headings (dated 8 May 2020)
- Customs Practice Note – Transportation of cargo under COVID-19
- Explanatory Note – Transportation of cargo under COVID-19
- Update: Customs Measures relating to COVID-19 – Impact of revised Government Regulations (dated 19 April 2020)
- COVID-19 – Frequently Asked Questions (dated 22 April 2020)
South African Taxpayers can also monitor developments on the SARS Coronavirus COVID-19 webpage
INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION
Covid-19 News and Regulations webpage contains information in regard to import and export controls –
- Covid-19 Rebate Item 412.11 – Application Form and Guidelines
- Covid-19 Rebate Item 412.11 – List of Critical Supplies
- Export Control Regulations
- Updated COVID-19 Export Standard Operating Procedure
- Rebate Item 412.11/00.00/01.00 FAQs
- Notice of Expiration of Rebate Certificates for COVD-19
- ITAC COVID-19 Communication to Stakeholders (19 May 2020)
COMESA, EAC and SADC New
BUSINESS UNITY SOUTH AFRICA
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under Rebate Item 412.11 for Business importing Critical Supplies during the National State of Disaster [Ver.2.0]
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under Rebate Item 412.11 for Business importing Critical Supplies during the National State Disaster [Ver.3.00]
NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (the Alliance)
The Alliance Covid-19 hub brings together useful resources on the pandemic in one place and provides tips on how to keep essential goods moving in these challenging times.
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