Chairperson, the Customs Control Bill seeks, and I quote:
To provide for customs control of all vessels, aircraft, trains, vehicles, goods and persons entering or leaving the Republic; to facilitate the implementation of certain laws levying taxes on goods and of other legislation applicable to such goods and persons ...
Whilst we understand and support the idea of greater customs control by our officials, we also recognise the possible delays and associated costs such measures could cause to the import industry. This is a delicate balancing act that must be workable for all parties involved and must be to the end benefit of South Africa and South Africans as a whole.
It is also imperative that South Africa keeps pace with global trends in trade, conventions and international best practice, and exercises far greater control over the inflow of unwanted goods. In this regard, we applaud the introduction of the advance cargo loading notice which effectively prevents the loading of prohibited goods on vessels destined for South Africa.
I now turn to the Customs and Excise Amendment Bill, which will change the name of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964; and amend the Customs and Excise Act so as to delete all provisions dealt with by the Customs Control Act applicable to customs control of imported goods and goods to be exported as well as the imposition, collection and refunding of customs duties; and other matters relating to customs duties.
These Bills seek to effect a general upgrade in our entire import system in order to close loopholes, address concerns and provide a workable platform for both business and government going forward. The IFP supports the Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]