Customs and Excise Officer

Related Careers

• Immigration and Customs Inspector

• Foreign Affairs Assistant

• Eco-Tourism Manager

• Security Official

• Police Officer

In South Africa the Customs and excise Divisions operate as part of the South African Revenue Service also known as SARS. The Customs Division plays an integral role in facilitating the movement of goods and people entering or exiting the borders of the Republic. The excise Division facilitates the levying of excise duties on certain locally manufactured goods as well as their imported equivalents. These taxable products include items such as alcohol drinks, cigarettes or cars.  

The Customs Officer exercises control over imports and exports to ensure that products such as fauna and flora are not exported or imported illegally. He or she will also check import and export documents to ensure that the correct import duties are paid. Customs Officers also monitor and control people leaving or entering the country. They are stationed at international airports, harbours and at border posts and check and examine passengers and their luggage and ensure that all import duties are paid.