Guide: How to get your importers code

StephenPlain said:
I tried on multiple different browsers and devices, including my phone. Had a friend follow the exact same steps on my computer and it just worked for him. I'm just screwed and I don't know ow to resolve the issue.
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Is this still not working for you?

Have you tried using Microsoft Edge?

I had an internet connectivity issue during my application process and once I was online again and trying to resume my application, I kept on getting some weird obscure IBM server error message and I couldn't log back in and continue the process.

I phoned the SARS support line and reached a very helpful lady who, after wanting me to describe the exact error was quick to identify the error as a connectivity error, but also mentioned that I should try to resume the application process using Edge (as apparently the Customs/RLA site "works best on Microsoft Edge").

Try this: Logout and close all other efling sessions you may have have open on your PC and phone, log into efiling from a single Edge session and attempt the application process.

Hope this helps.
 
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Is this still only available for efiling?
 
I still haven't gotten an answer whether you can use this without being registered for tax or if you need to visit a SARS office. It would help if they had an online procedure that wasn't through efiling.
 
Swa said:
I still haven't gotten an answer whether you can use this without being registered for tax or if you need to visit a SARS office. It would help if they had an online procedure that wasn't through efiling.
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Are you not registered for tax?
 
Does the importers code expire. I had one for a while and only used it once
 
tRoN said:
Does the importers code expire. I had one for a while and only used it once
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Maybe? Have not followed the thread but I received this SMS this week.

"Dear Trader, 2XYZ Please take note of this important notification: The Commissioner of SARS intends to suspend the relevant registrations and licences associated to your customs code. For information about how to onboard, see the tutorial on the YouTube SARS TV Channel (How to access Customs Registration, Licensing and Accreditation on SARS eFiling - YouTube). You may also lodge an application at your nearest SARS Customs branch to adhere to the onboarding requirements. A user guide for onboarding to RLA via eFiling and more information are available on the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Please ignore this message if already onboarded. Kind Regards SARS"

Probably used only a couple times last year. I had it since 2010 prior when I used to order free samples of components from semiconductor companies.
 
Vis1/0N said:
Maybe? Have not followed the thread but I received this SMS this week.

"Dear Trader, 2XYZ Please take note of this important notification: The Commissioner of SARS intends to suspend the relevant registrations and licences associated to your customs code. For information about how to onboard, see the tutorial on the YouTube SARS TV Channel (How to access Customs Registration, Licensing and Accreditation on SARS eFiling - YouTube). You may also lodge an application at your nearest SARS Customs branch to adhere to the onboarding requirements. A user guide for onboarding to RLA via eFiling and more information are available on the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Please ignore this message if already onboarded. Kind Regards SARS"

Probably used only a couple times last year. I had it since 2010 prior when I used to order free samples of components from semiconductor companies.
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What do they mean by that, what exactly are they doing and why?
 
From this it also seems there's no expiry and a few parallel processes you can use to obtain it.

Vis1/0N said:
Maybe? Have not followed the thread but I received this SMS this week.

"Dear Trader, 2XYZ Please take note of this important notification: The Commissioner of SARS intends to suspend the relevant registrations and licences associated to your customs code. For information about how to onboard, see the tutorial on the YouTube SARS TV Channel (How to access Customs Registration, Licensing and Accreditation on SARS eFiling - YouTube). You may also lodge an application at your nearest SARS Customs branch to adhere to the onboarding requirements. A user guide for onboarding to RLA via eFiling and more information are available on the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Please ignore this message if already onboarded. Kind Regards SARS"

Probably used only a couple times last year. I had it since 2010 prior when I used to order free samples of components from semiconductor companies.
Click to expand...
Might be that you're not compliant with all their requirements. Also you should be aware that depending on what you import there are also other departments you're dealing with that require their own procedures to be followed or their own licenses which may or may not expire.
 
Vis1/0N said:
Maybe? Have not followed the thread but I received this SMS this week.

"Dear Trader, 2XYZ Please take note of this important notification: The Commissioner of SARS intends to suspend the relevant registrations and licences associated to your customs code. For information about how to onboard, see the tutorial on the YouTube SARS TV Channel (How to access Customs Registration, Licensing and Accreditation on SARS eFiling - YouTube). You may also lodge an application at your nearest SARS Customs branch to adhere to the onboarding requirements. A user guide for onboarding to RLA via eFiling and more information are available on the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Please ignore this message if already onboarded. Kind Regards SARS"

Probably used only a couple times last year. I had it since 2010 prior when I used to order free samples of components from semiconductor companies.
Click to expand...
I got this SMS last week and today got an email with the following:

1. Take note of the SARS' letter issued and published on the SARS website on 26 August 2022 requested customs
registrants and licensees to update registration or licensing details in terms of rule 59A.01A(c) (applicable to
registrants) or rule 60.10 (applicable to licensees) by 31 March 2023. The letter contained detailed instructions for
such updating. Registrants and licensees were further notified of the consequences of non-compliance with the
request by the specified date, namely that the Commissioner may cancel or suspend the relevant registration or
licence in accordance with the relevant rule read with section 60(2)(b) of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964.
2. You have failed to comply with the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 and this letter therefore serves as a
notification of the Commissioner's intention to suspend the registrations and licences associated to your customs
code.
3. You are hereby invited to make representations as to why the identified registration or licence should not be
suspended as contemplated in section 60(2)(b) of the Customs and Excise Act. Representations must be submitted
via e-mail to [email protected] within the 21-day period referred to in paragraph 2.
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Been a few years since I used my importers code, #3 refers to a 21 day grace period from 31 March 2023 but I only received the notification last week :unsure:

Anyone emailed a representation and willing to share a template?
 
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chickenbeef said:
I got this SMS last week and today got an email with the following:



Been a few years since I used my importers code, #3 refers to a 21 day grace period from 31 March 2023 but I only received the notification last week :unsure:

Anyone emailed a representation and willing to share a template?
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Followed the video. Hopefully everything is fine after this, got assigned the old customs code I already had.


Nice of them to send the password in plaintext via email once you register an organisation profile.
 
chickenbeef said:
I got this SMS last week and today got an email with the following:



Been a few years since I used my importers code, #3 refers to a 21 day grace period from 31 March 2023 but I only received the notification last week :unsure:

Anyone emailed a representation and willing to share a template?
Click to expand...
What are they actually asking for or what is the problem, did you move and then not update your address?
 
chickenbeef said:
Nothing changed and they had all my details already so just had to click next through everything on the form.
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Thanks, so if they don’t contact me like you guys were I can just carry on like normal?
 
So someone posted this link from the DHL website: https://dhlguide.co.za/faq/need-register-customs-client-importer-exporter/
I called DHL today and spoke to someone in the customs clearing department. The lady told me that there is no limit on how many orders you can do, but there is a 150k limit per year.
She did also mention that gifts, anyone sending you items from overseas, is currently limited to 3 imports per year.

Does anyone know if the rules were amended at some stage?
 
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