SARS Tightens Customs and Excise Rules for Accredited Clients
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From 1 September 2025, SARS is rolling out new rules that affect businesses with Accredited Client Status under the Customs and Excise Act. These updates are part of SARS’s push to fully digitise and streamline compliance via its electronic accreditation system.
What is Accredited Client Status?
ACS is SARS’s VIP lane for importers, exporters, and other trusted traders. It rewards compliant, low-risk businesses with:
✅ Faster customs clearance
✅ Fewer inspections
✅ Quicker VAT refunds
✅ Dedicated support from SARS
If you play by the rules and maintain good internal controls, you could qualify for this status—and enjoy smoother, faster trade.
What's Changing?
If you're an accredited importer/exporter, don’t wait. Make sure your details are updated and transferred on time to avoid disruptions to your trade operations.
Update on Request: SARS can now request accredited clients to update their details at any time. If you ignore the request? Your status can be cancelled or suspended.
No Extension Tricks: Updating your details won’t restart your 5-year accreditation. You still need to renew on time as per existing rules.
Accredited Before 8 Dec 2023
If your status was granted before SARS moved to its online system, you must now:
Transfer your details to the new electronic system within 6 months from 1 September 2025, or
If your status is up for renewal within those 6 months, you need to update before that renewal period starts.
⛔ Miss the deadline? SARS can revoke or suspend your accredited status.
✅ Once transferred, your status is valid for 5 years from the date of approval.
Read more in the General Explanatory Rule here.
