How Does a Clearing Agent Use the CoC URL on the SAD 500?

The Clearing Agent's Role

Including the URL in the SAD 500

The clearing agent is responsible for preparing and submitting the SAD 500 customs declaration on behalf of the importer. When the shipment includes regulated goods, the clearing agent must include the PVoC CoC verification URL in the SAD 500 as a supporting document reference.

The importer should provide the verification URL to the clearing agent before the SAD 500 is submitted. The clearing agent should verify that the URL resolves to a valid CoC verification page before including it in the declaration.

If the clearing agent submits a SAD 500 without a valid CoC verification URL for regulated goods, SARS Customs will detain the goods from 20 September 2026.

Which SAD 500 Field?

The EDI Specifications

The specific SAD 500 field for the CoC verification URL is determined by the SARS Customs EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) specifications. Clearing agents should confirm with their clearing software provider (Customs Systems, Softline, CargoWise, or other providers) which field to use for the CoC verification URL.

In addition to the primary EDI field, clearing agents may also include the URL in the "Additional Information" or "Remarks" fields as a backup reference. This ensures SARS Customs can find the URL even if the primary field is not checked.

The clearing software provider will have the current EDI specifications and can advise on the correct field and format for the CoC verification URL.

What SARS Customs Does

Verifying the URL

When SARS Customs processes the SAD 500 declaration, they check the CoC verification URL by visiting it in a browser or using an automated verification system. The verification page shows the CoC metadata, which SARS Customs compares to the goods description in the SAD 500.

If the URL resolves to a valid verification page with matching metadata, SARS Customs proceeds with the clearance. If the URL shows "Unknown CoC," or if the metadata does not match the SAD 500, SARS Customs detains the goods.

BMA officers at land border posts can also verify CoCs by scanning the QR code on the verification page (or on a printed copy of the verification page).

Practical Workflow

How Clearing Agents Should Manage CoC URLs

Clearing agents should establish a workflow for obtaining the CoC verification URL from importers before the SAD 500 is submitted. This workflow should include: requesting the URL when the shipment is booked; verifying that the URL resolves to a valid verification page; and retaining a record of the URL for each shipment for audit purposes.

Clearing agents who process multiple shipments for the same importer can access the importer's CoC Vault dashboard (with the importer's permission) to obtain the correct URL for each shipment.