Bill of Entry meaning

Bill of Entry – abbreviated to read B/E is basically the SAD500 document that is passed by a customs clearing agent on behalf of the importer or exporter. This is the document on which customs stamps and confirms that the cargo is allowed to be exported or imported. For exports this should be passed before the container goes into the terminal and for imports this should be passed before the container is moved out of the terminal.

Shipping lines will not stamp the CTO in the case of imports or release the bill of lading in the case of exports if this B/E is not processed and a copy stamped by customs is produced. There maybe cases where the B/E is processed for a specific ship but that container did not make that ship, in that case a VOC (Voucher of Correction) needs to be passed amending the name of the ship.

Any shipping line that ships a container without the relevant B/E being passed will be liable for a customs penalty and plus customs has the authority to recall that particular container to SA at the expense of the defaulter.