SARS Delays Diesel Refund System: What Traders Need to Know Now
This article will count 0.25 units (15 minutes) of unverifiable CPD. Remember to log these units under your membership profile.
If you or your clients rely on diesel refunds, there’s an important update from SARS and it affects your planning.
SARS has confirmed that the new Diesel Refund Registration System will not go live as originally expected.
Here’s what’s actually happening:
SARS is still developing the new system but needs more time to test and pilot it properly to ensure it is stable, secure, and fully functional before rollout.
What This Means in Practice
No immediate system change
The new registration system is delayed, so current processes remain in place for now.
Expect future changes, but not yet
SARS is moving toward a more digital, streamlined system, but implementation will only happen once it’s fully tested.
Communication will continue
SARS has committed to providing ongoing updates through official channels—so watch for further announcements.
Why This Matters for You and Your Clients
This system is expected to improve:
Compliance processes
Turnaround times
Overall user experience.
But delays mean uncertainty so you need to stay proactive.
What You Should Do Now
Keep using current diesel refund processes
Avoid making assumptions about new system timelines
Monitor SARS updates closely
Prepare clients for a future shift to a fully digital system.
This is a positive move but execution matters.
A well-functioning digital system can reduce admin and improve compliance. But until it goes live, accountants need to manage expectations and keep clients compliant under the current rules.
