CAPE TOWN, June 26 (LENA) — The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) has urged Basotho traders and commuters to comply with customs declaration requirements, saying this is vital for the country’s share of revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Speaking during a summit involving Lesotho and South Africa, Acting Commissioner General Mr. Obed Nete said proper declaration of invoices and goods at border posts plays an important role in determining the revenue Lesotho receives from the SACU revenue-sharing pool.
“There is no doubt that Basotho still face challenges when crossing into South Africa, and these are among the issues currently under discussion between the two countries during this summit,” he said.
Mr. Nete said RSL has introduced the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme to simplify customs declaration procedures for qualifying individuals and businesses.
He explained that the AEO programme is a global initiative facilitated by RSL and the World Customs Organization (WCO), aimed at promoting secure and efficient trade. The programme grants trusted traders, including importers, exporters and manufacturers, benefits such as faster customs clearance, fewer physical inspections and priority treatment at border posts.
Mr. Nete said the programme reduces border processing times to a maximum of 30 minutes while offering simplified declaration procedures, faster border clearance, regional recognition and a harmonised registration process across SACU member states.
He noted that AEO status is recognised throughout SACU, helping to streamline regional trade and making it easier for businesses to move goods across borders.
According to Mr. Nete, the programme also provides significant cost and time savings by reducing transportation delays, cargo inspections and storage expenses. In addition, it strengthens supply chain security and helps reduce the risk of illicit trade.
He said although the initiative was initially developed for large industries and major companies, it has now been expanded to include medium and small businesses in order to increase participation in formal trade systems.
Mr. Nete encouraged traders and commuters to declare goods correctly, saying customs duties collected contribute directly to the SACU revenue pool from which Lesotho receives annual revenue.
He said Lesotho is expected to receive more than M10 billion from the SACU revenue-sharing arrangement during the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting the importance of complying with customs and trade regulations.
Mr. Nete stressed that improved compliance with customs requirements would not only benefit traders through faster and more efficient border processes but would also contribute to national revenue and economic development.
Ends/LT
