b) The SADC Customs Unit consults with the private sector during the
development/revision of SADC customs instruments. The private sector will
be able to make important technical inputs on the development of regulations
and on the potential impact of these regulations on the private sector. The
outcome of these consultations will be presented to SCCC.
c) Feedback from decisions made at the SCCC that are relevant to the private
sector are made available on the SADC Customs Unit website.
d) The chairpersons of each Customs to Business Forum is invited to submit
information on an annual basis of how the dialogue mechanism is working
and what are the most prominent issues discussed. If regional issues can be
identified then the Member State can request that these be considered by
SADC Customs Unit for regional intervention.
Resource implications:
Where possible, the SADC Customs Unit will have to follow the dialogue at
national and regional level to identify customs issues that have a regional
dimension. This will increase the load on the current team.
Communication of the SCCC decisions that affects the private sector will
require management oversight. As decisions regarding the private sector are
made public, the SADC Customs Unit may also have to field more queries
from the private sector, or from Member States.
7.3
7.4
Establishment of a Regional Customs – Business Forum
a) Customs issues often exceed the borders of a single country and affect other
territories also. Examples are the implementation of the One Stop Border Post
concept; transit; Customs enforcement etc. It will thus be imperative to
establish a regional forum where the private sectors could meet and discuss
regional issues affecting the movement of goods.
b) It is also recommended that wherever possible the forum will have a meeting
with the Heads of Customs at before every SCCC meeting to discuss and
address Customs issues
c) A Memorandum of Understanding between the SCCC and the Regional
Business Forum will also be very beneficial
d) Ensure appropriate legislative framework at a regional level to support private
sector involvement in Customs matters.
Harmonization of Customs-related regulatory policies
a) There is a need to simplify and harmonize Customs related regulatory
procedures such as registration procedures for Clearing and Forwarding
Agents.
7.5
Capacity Building at a regional level
8