Newly appointed chief officer for Customs and Excise, Jed Michaletos, has hit the ground running.
Control of goods is one of his major priorities – and investment in scanners has already paid good dividends.
“We have seen R21 million worth of narcotics busts around the country in the last week alone as an example – all directly attributable to modernisation,” said Michaletos.
“Baggage scanners have been installed at all major airports and more are being procured for land borders. Over the course of the year we’re looking to get new scanners and body scanners at OR Tambo airport as well as a rail scanner.”
A scanner has also been installed at Beitbridge which was functional from last week.
The detector dog unit has played an increasingly positive role and Sars is looking to expand the unit. It is collaborating with its SA Customs Union neighbours to help them with training. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link so we need to work with our neighbouring countries.”
Credible track and trace intelligence is critical and the use of electronic seals and excise markers for high risk cargo is under consideration.
“We’re busy with the procurement process for the seals and will probably introduce the concept in the third quarter at the earliest.
“The excise markers have been introduced in several overseas countries with great success and we hope to replicate that success.”
Michaletos, who took up his appointment in January this year, believes that the official title of the new position - chief officer customs and excise - is significant for several reasons.
“It’s the first time within Sars that the profile of Customs and Excise has been elevated to a chief officer level, signifying the importance that customs plays. And it’s the first time that Customs and Excise have been brought under one umbrella.”
