Customs Recordals

The South African Customs has issued the attached self-explanatory notification extending the validity or duration of the Customs recordal application from 24 months (2 years) to 120 months (10 years) with effect from 1st April 2024.

This development will not only reduce a significant administrative burden on the brandholders and/or their local representatives but will be in line with the duration of the registered trade mark rights in terms of the Trade Marks Act (which is 10 years). Brandholders and/or their local representatives are required to inform or notify Customs (i.e. the SARS Customs recordal application coordinator) of any changes during the lifespan of the recordal. Such changes may include representation, ownership of the intellectual property rights recorded, any new product range, trade mark lapsing and/or renewal and other related matters.