Importer and exporter registrations with SARS;
Registrations for companies as cryptography providers in South Africa;
Registrations for manufacturers with SARS;
Registrations in respect of bonded warehouses with SARS, including rebate stores;
Tariff determination applications;
Consulting work in respect of any issue arising from the Customs and Excise Act No 91 of 1964;
Consulting work in respect of intended importation or exportation of products;
Related litigation work – if SARS decisions are required to be appealed internally or taking on review in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act;
General commercial work related to litigation, consulting, and contract drafting;
Applications to ITAC;
Assisting with SARS audits falling under the Customs and Excise Act No 91 of 1964;
Maritime Law disputes;
Disputes between logistics companies, depots, container operators, and clearing agents.

SARS have admitted, in current litigation, that they do not have the capacity to enforce the Act.

This has allowed for a multitude of fraudulent actions having taken place on the part of clearing agents, importers and exporters, leaving many innocent parties open to having pay duties, VAT and penalties due to certain provisions contained in the Customs and Excise Act.

SARS simply ignores the fraudulent behaviour and sets its sights on the innocent party due to the provisions contained in the Act, and simply goes for whomever it decides has the funds capable of paying the alleged debt.

It must also be noted that there have been circumstances when SARS’s employees attempt to illicit bribes – or colleagues have been rumoured to have contacts.

This is particularly dangerous, and there is absolutely no need to go this route. All one has to do is have a competent attorney follow the processes contained in the Customs and Excise Act.

While this may appear “costly” at first glance, it is a far more guaranteed and permanent solution to whatever issues may arise in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.

Tariff determinations
Assisting with SARS audits
Opposing the results of SARS audits
Dealing with vehicles, and goods detained or seized in terms of the Customs and Excise Act No 91 of 1964
Dealing with disputes between the types of clients listed above,
Registering clients in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.

There are importers, exporters and manufacturers that tend to attempt to use other practices where they are promised that the practitioner in question has “contacts” with appropriate members of the South African Revenue Services.

From our experience this is a costly falsehood. The Customs and Excise Act, created in 1964, with many rules and regulations sets out the processes that must be followed.
Contacts will not assist.

 what is required is an attorney that understands what has transpired, understands how the Customs and Excise Act functions, and has the ability to deal with the facts, the numbers, and the particular goods In question.

an attorney that understands the ins and outs of the Customs and Excise Act is a must, not only after an audit, seizure or detention of goods, but pre-emptively in order to limit risk in this particular industry.