Customs RLA Application Tracking
Check Customs RLA Application Status
Track the live processing stage of your SARS Customs Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation (RLA) application and download approved Customs Client Number certificates.
Explore 100+ accounting & tax services with transparent fixed prices and clear completion times in our online store.
Accredited Professional Memberships & Regulatory Compliance
CIBA MemberBiz Accountant
SAIT MemberTax Practitioner
S
SARS RegisteredTax Practitioners
CIPC AgentCompany Registry
4.9 / 5.0
Verified Google Reviews • South Africa's Top Online Accounting & Tax Practice
eFiling Navigation & Turnaround
RLA Worklist Path & SARS SLA Times
Standard RLA: 3–10 Business Days | Bonded/Inspection: 21–60 Days
eFiling Navigation Path: Log into eFiling → Organisations → Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) → Existing Applications / Letters
Verified SARS Portal
Track Your Customs RLA Status Directly
Access official SARS Customs online channels to view live processing status and license approvals.
RLA Status Tracking
How to Check Customs RLA Status
01
Access SOQS RLA Status Portal or Log into SARS eFiling
Visit tools.sars.gov.za/sarsonlinequery/requestrlastatus or log into SARS eFiling and click "Organisations > Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) > Existing Applications".
02
Enter Your RLA Case Number & Entity Identification
Input the unique RLA Case Reference Number issued upon submission along with your 10-digit Income Tax Reference Number or CIPC Registration Number.
03
Review Your RLA Application Workflow Stage
Check the live status badge: "Submitted", "Assigned to Officer", "Pended – Supporting Documents Required", "Referred for Physical Site Inspection", or "Approved".
04
Inspect RLA Inbox Letters for Deficiency Notices
Open the "Letters" tab inside the RLA dashboard to read any formal SARS query requesting updated proof of address, clearing agent mandates, or surety bonds.
05
Download Approved Customs Registration Certificate
Once status changes to "Approved", download the official PDF Customs Client Number certificate and forward it to your clearing agent to clear detained cargo.
Troubleshooting RLA Holds
Common Reasons RLA Applications Get Pended or Cancelled
21-Business-Day Auto-Cancellation on Pended Cases
When SARS places an RLA case in "Pended – Additional Information Required", the application is automatically cancelled if the requested documents are not uploaded within 21 business days.
Bonded Warehouse & Rebate Store Site Inspections
Applications for Customs Controlled Areas, Bonded Warehouses (OS/SOS), or Industrial Rebates (Schedule 3/4) remain pended until a physical SARS Customs inspection of the premises is completed.
Financial Surety / Bank Guarantee Delays
Clearing agents, road hauliers (Remover of Goods in Bond), and deferment account applicants cannot move from "Conditionally Approved" to "Active" until the original bank surety is lodged.
Unresolved Income Tax or VAT Debt on Applicant Entity
SARS RLA conducts an automated tax compliance check before issuing customs licenses; overdue VAT201 or ITR14 balances halt license activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SARS Customs RLA?
RLA (Registration, Licensing and Accreditation) is the electronic SARS eFiling module that replaced manual DA 185 forms for registering importers, exporters, clearing agents, bonded warehouses, rebate manufacturers, and trade agreement exporters.
How long does a SARS Customs RLA application take to be approved?
Standard importer and exporter registrations take 3 to 10 business days when documents are compliant. Licensing applications requiring surety bonds or physical site inspections (such as bonded warehouses or rebate stores) take 21 to 60 business days.
What does "Pended for Supporting Documents" mean on RLA?
It means a SARS Customs licensing officer reviewed your application and found a discrepancy or missing document (such as an uncertified ID, expired municipal bill, or missing resolution). You must upload the corrected files via RLA or SOQS within 21 business days.
Where do I download my approved Customs Code letter on eFiling?
Log into SARS eFiling -> click "Organisations" -> "Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA)" -> "Letters / Certificates" -> download the PDF notice containing your 8-digit Customs Client Number.
Can My Accountant expedite or fix a stuck Customs RLA application?
Yes! When shipments are incurring port demurrage and storage fees at Durban, Cape Town, or OR Tambo, our customs compliance team audits the RLA rejection reasons, uploads compliant verification packs, and tracks approval daily.
Related SARS Customs Guides & Packages
Registered SARS Tax Practitioners
Need Expert Assistance? Let My Accountant Handle SARS For You
Avoid SARS penalties, audit complications, or endless waiting on hold. Our registered SAIT tax practitioners can resolve your query, submit outstanding returns, and represent you directly with SARS.
Fast SARS Dispute & Debt Relief Verified TCS & Direct Power of Attorney