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RLA is here to stay
- 22 July 2026
- Customs and Excise
- Christo Theron
As part of the Customs modernisation process, the Customs Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) platform has been gradually rolled out and implemented since 2020. Many importers and exporters only became aware of the need to migrate to the RLA when their import and export numbers were no longer valid.
Introduction
The RLA has been effective in South Africa for quite a while, but for some reason many importers and exporters have neglected migrating to the new system.
The wake-up call came when import and export registration numbers were no longer accepted as they were not migrated to the new system.
The RLA is however much more than just the registration of importers and exporters. This article provide a birds eye view of the RLA.
What is a Customs client type?
Customs client types refer to the manner in which Customs controls the activities of parties involved in the international movement of goods and in certain instances the manufacture of goods in South Africa.
A client type may be as simple as an importer or exporter. It however also includes various other client types, for example operators of Customs warehouses, manufacturing warehouses, in-bond transporters of goods, et cetera.
The nature of the client type determines the nature of the registration.
Nature of registrations
Certain client types must register with Customs for the activities that they conduct, for example registering as importers or exporters with Customs.
Other client types must apply for licenses with Customs to conduct specific activities approved in the licenses, normally at a specific premises. For example, a container depot must be licensed with Customs to operate the container depot.
Other registered entities may use the licensed premises to conduct the activities for which they are registered with Customs.
The challenge
Each party in the supply chain must be clear as to whether they should be registered for an activity or be licensed for a premises they use. Where the licensed premises of a third-party is used, the person using the facility must ensure that the premises is licensed for the specific activity.
For example, an importer must be registered as an importer with Customs. If the goods are imported into a bonded facility (Customs warehouse), the Customs warehouse must be licenced with Customs as a Customs warehouse. If the goods are cleared into the warehouse and the warehouse is not a licensed Customs warehouse, the VAT and import duty become payable immediately as well as penalties for the incorrect clearing of the goods.
There are no small mistakes in this area.
Where does RLA fit in?
The RLA is the Customs platform where all the registrations and applications for licenses are made and controlled. The system cannot be bypassed in any other way.
Conclusion
Correctly identifying your client type with Customs and confirming the statuses of other operators in the supply chain are critical to ensure that goods under Customs control are dealt with according to the Custom rules, failing which, not only will Customs and VAT become payable, but there may well be significant sanctions for non-compliance.
Want to learn more?
The Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) platform continues to play a critical role in Customs compliance, and understanding the correct registration and licensing requirements is essential for importers, exporters and other supply chain participants. If you would like a practical overview of the RLA system, common migration challenges and the implications of non-compliance, register for our webinar by clicking here.
When in doubt, ask!