SARS barred from installing CCTV cameras at tobacco-manufacturing warehouses

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has been barred from implementing a new rule that allows it to install CCTV cameras at tobacco-manufacturing warehouses.
 
This High Court ruling is pending a review of a rule, which SARS says, is aimed at curbing illicit activity in the industry.
 
It comes on the back of a case brought by the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) and various tobacco manufacturers, including Adriano Mazzotti's Carnilinx.
 
The High Court in Pretoria last year dismissed an interdict application brought by FITA and the manufacturers involved on an urgent basis, finding it was, in fact, not urgent.
 
But the application was then re-enrolled in the ordinary court and has now proved successful.
 
In a ruling handed down on Wednesday, Judge Linda Retief interdicted SARS from implementing the rule, which allows the installation of CCTV cameras at tobacco manufacturing warehouses, until the review application is finalised.
 
She said there was no evidence to show that any of the applicants were involved in illicit activity or that they weren’t tax compliant, and that the interdict wouldn't prevent SARS from collecting tax or stop its customs officials from being able to perform their duties.
 
She also slapped SARS with the costs of the application.