Angola has now become the first South Africa Development Community (SADC) member to publish a consolidated Customs Code. This represents a major step in the reform and modernisation of its Customs service. Crown Agents prepared the new Code in partnership with the Angolan Customs service and its legal advisers. It comes into effect in January 2007 and follows the guidelines set out in the relevant international conventions of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and SADC.
The new code and its attendant regulation bring much needed transparency and clarity as well as providing a sound legal platform for a modern and efficient Customs system. It fulfils the need for effective Customs control and facilitation of legitimate trade. The new code provides a legal basis for efficient methods of Customs control in areas such as risk analysis, post import audit and improved technology including scanners.
Since the project began revenue collected in Angola has increased fivefold from $215,448,613 in 2000 to $1,061,451,528 in 2005. The enforcement of the new Customs Code will provide a firm basis upon which further revenue enhancement can be achieved.