SARS raises measures to control fake, illicit imports

29 Jun '10

2 min read

By launching steps that are aimed at regulating imports of apparels, mainly from China, the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) has increased its efforts towards safeguarding the domestic apparel industry.

Owing to imports of fake World Cup garments, mainly from China, South Africa's textile industry, over the past one year, has witnessed about 14,400 job loss, reveal, the figures, as released by the South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union.

As per the Union General Secretary, Andre Kriel, around 2,000 jobs have been lost in Cape Town. But, soccer supporters and citizens of South Africa can protect these jobs and also help increase the production capacity by ensuring to purchase domestically produced goods.

SARS's risk management executive said that, fake and illicit imports, worth millions, were till now, seized during the World Cup. More so, SARS had also raise its risk analysis and intelligence by coordinating with other nations, to cross-check imports before they entered South Africa.

This executive also added that, South Africa currently has mutual agreements with nations such as China. As per the agreement, nations can share information, which gives each party a fair idea of each other's firms or individuals who import products from China.

Abisha Tembo, Chief Director of the Department of Trade and Industry for apparels, textile, footwear and leather said that, the department had policies and programs to improve the conditions of apparel and textile industry.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India