Recent consultations with the tourism industry have emphasised the importance of cross-border permits for all transport operators involved in pick-up and drop-off activities, whether they are crossing the border or simply operating at the border itself. The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) has made it clear that these permits are mandatory, even for operators whose vehicles do not physically enter another country but are only picking up or dropping off passengers or goods at the border.

What you need to know:

• Legal Basis: The requirement for cross-border permits is rooted in the Cross-Border Road Transport Act and Section 75 of the National Land Transport Act.
• Scope: Whether you’re crossing the border or simply dropping off or picking up passengers or goods at the border, you must obtain the appropriate permits. This often-overlooked requirement could result in significant penalties if not adhered to.
• Types of Permits: The C-BRTA issues various permits tailored to different transport activities, including goods permits, bus passenger permits, taxi passenger permits, and tourist passenger permits.
• Reciprocity: The C-BRTA is committed to ensuring fair treatment through reciprocal cross-border charges between South Africa and other SADC countries.
• Current Situation: Unlike neighbouring SADC countries, South Africa does not currently impose cross-border charges on foreign operators entering or transiting through the country. This imbalance places South African operators at a disadvantage, as they face higher costs when operating in neighbouring countries.

Addressing the Challenges

South African tourism operators face unique challenges in cross-border operations, with unequal treatment currently tipping the scales against them. The C-BRTA has identified the need for reciprocal charges to create a level playing field. As it stands, foreign operators transit through South Africa without incurring cross-border fees, while South African operators face significant costs when crossing into neighbouring countries.

To rectify this, the C-BRTA has emphasised the need for South Africa to implement reciprocal cross-border charges. This would mean imposing fees on foreign operators entering South Africa similar to those faced by South African operators abroad. This principle is grounded in the Cross-Border Road Transport Act of 1998 and the SADC Protocol, both of which support fair competition, economic balance, and transparency.

C-BRTA’s Action Plan

The Agency has laid out a structured approach to bring about a more equitable cross-border transport system:

• Data Collection: A comprehensive questionnaire is being distributed to transport operators to gather data on the cross-border charges they face in neighbouring countries. Please see the link to the survey here.

• Business Case Review: The insights gathered from this data will be used to review and update the 2020/21 Business Case on Comprehensive Levying of Cross-border Charges.

• Advocacy for Change: The refined business case will be submitted to the National Department of Transport, advocating for the implementation of reciprocal cross-border charges. This will ensure fair treatment and promote competitiveness for South African operators.

We urge transport operators to participate in the upcoming survey to ensure a thorough and accurate representation of the challenges faced in cross-border operations. This will be help us to shape a more balanced and fair cross-border transport environment.

Complete the survey here