Mbabane – The Eswatini Revenue Service has launched a festive season public information drive urging emaSwati shoppers travelling to South Africa to use Sekulula VAT Easy when returning home through land borders.
The campaign, running during the peak holiday shopping period, targets travellers crossing back into the Kingdom through designated border posts including Ngwenya, Lavumisa, Mahamba, Matsamo, Mananga and Sandlane.
ERS says Sekulula VAT Easy allows qualifying shoppers to use value added tax already paid in South Africa to settle import VAT at Eswatini border posts, removing the need to pay additional cash on arrival. The initiative is designed to reduce delays, improve compliance and ease pressure on travellers during the busy festive season. 
According to ERS, the process applies only when goods are properly declared and supported by valid tax invoices. Travellers are required to present themselves at the ERS Customs counter before leaving the border and submit invoices together with the relevant declaration forms.
For purchases valued below E1 000, shoppers are required to complete a Combined Declaration Form, declare the total value of goods and have their gate pass stamped by Customs. Purchases below E5 000 require submission of invoices and completion of Form E at the Customs desk.
Where goods exceed E5 000, ERS requires tax invoices to include the buyer’s name, surname and physical address to allow Customs officers to verify declarations. For purchases above E10 000, proof of payment such as a bank statement, POS slip or cash receipt must also be produced to confirm eligibility under Sekulula VAT Easy.
ERS has also cautioned shoppers using retail rewards cards to ensure the cards are registered in their own names, as purchases made under another person’s profile cannot be processed. Where payment was made by another individual, travellers must attach documents explaining the relationship to enable Customs to link the payment to the goods.
The revenue authority has reminded air travellers that Sekulula VAT Easy does not apply at airports, as VAT refunds for flights are processed at South African airports under separate arrangements.
ERS says officers are available at border posts to guide travellers through the process and has encouraged shoppers to prepare invoices and supporting documents before travelling. Members of the public can seek assistance through ERS offices or by contacting 2406 4050, 7606 3735 or info@ers.org.sz.
