SARS introduces new rule for foreign vehicles entering South Africa
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is implementing a new rule that impacts travellers with foreign-registered vehicles.
Black News 
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a new measure that affects owners of foreign-registered vehicles.
According to SARS, foreign-registered vehicles must be declared on their Traveller Management System (TMS) before entering or departing the country’s borders.
WHAT SARS’ NEW RULE ENTAILS
When crossing Mzansi’s borders, both upon entry and return, international travellers – particularly those from neighbouring countries – must declare vehicles with a foreign registration via the TMS.
This rule serves a dual purpose. It helps align South Africa with established international customs practices and boosts SARS’ efforts to modernise customs operations at ports of entry.
It will go into effect from 1 June 2026 onwards.
OTHER BENEFITS
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu expounded on the benefits that this measure brings, including improved screening, stronger coordination with other authorities and enhancing the overall travelling experience.
“It also supports South Africa’s financial transparency obligations and enhances national security by ensuring goods, currency and vehicles are properly declared and assessed before entry or exit,” said Dr Makhubu.
For frequent cross-border travellers, they will be issued with temporary import permits with a validity period of six months. During this period, they can utilise these permits for multiple crossings without having to reapply at each entry.
SARS: COMPLIANCE IS KEY
Dr Makhubu urges owners with foreign-registered vehicles to comply with this rule or face the might of the law.
“Vehicle owners who do not declare foreign-registered vehicles or who provide false or incomplete information expose themselves to enforcement consequences and prolonged processing at the border,” he said.
“I also wish to reaffirm that where vehicle owners comply with all the legal requirements, the process will be seamless. However, where compliance is low, this may lead to delays in border crossings.”
Dr Makhubu does assure that SARS will continue to support those who are unable to complete the declaration online. Dedicated officials will be deployed at ports of entry to guide travellers through the process.
Regardless, physical border controls will remain in place. As such, all travellers must still present themselves to customs for verification, processing and inspection (where required).
For more information about declaring foreign-registered vehicles, visit www.sars.gov.za. Also, be sure to share your thoughts about this new rule in the comments below.
In other news, plans are underway to upgrade six key ports of entry throughout South Africa. The goal of these upgrades is to replace manual, fragmented processes with integrated digital systems designed to streamline cross-border operations.
