This year, for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has agreed to waive customs duties, taxes and levies on the import and subsequent export of goods belonging to qualifying persons. This will facilitate hassle-free movement of equipment for broadcasters and media into South Africa for the World Cup.

An international Customs document (ATA Carnet) may be used in lieu of the national Customs document. The ATA Carnet allows for the temporary importation of professional equipment owned by persons abroad into a country that is a signatory to the Conventions governing ATA Carnets. India is also among the guaranteeing countries of the ATA system.

Features

Goods imported under cover of an ATA Carnet may not be sold. Such goods must be re-exported within the prescribed period of their temporary admission. It is therefore particularly important to obtain the correct customs verification of entry and exit from the country visited. Failure to do so may lead to Customs duty, Value added tax (VAT) and a penalty being imposed. Vehicles designed or specially adapted for the purpose of sound or television broadcasting may also be imported under cover of an ATA Carnet.

Advantages

• It offers a simplified customs procedure, thereby allowing instant recognition and acceptability by Customs officials at ports of entry into the Republic and avoid the necessity for a deposit or a guarantee in some form.
• It will cut costs for importers by eliminating customs duties and VAT.
• Commercial travelers can make Customs arrangements in advance from their home country, quickly and at a determined cost.

Equipment covered under the ATA Carnet for FIFA 2010

Equipment for the press includes the photographic or cinematographic cameras, sound or image transmitting, recording or reproducing apparatus, blank sound or image recording media and operational accessories.

Equipment for sound broadcasting which is covered includes transmission and communication apparatus, sound recording and reproducing apparatus and testing and measuring instruments and apparatus. It will also incorporate operational accessories and blank sound recording media.

Equipment for television broadcasting allowed are television cameras, testing and measuring instruments and apparatus, transmission and retransmission apparatus and communication apparatus. It also includes sound or image recording or reproducing apparatus, lighting equipment, blank sound or image recording media and operational accessories.

However, consumable items or goods for processing or repair are not covered.

Restrictions on policy

It will be required for goods which were not disposed of or which have been temporarily imported to be exported. In the case of FIFA and FIFA subsidiaries, good have to be exported within 24 months after the date of the closing ceremony of the Championship.