JOHANNESBURG - The South African Revenue Service is intensifying its crackdown on the country’s illicit economy, now estimated at R1.2trillion a year.
SARS said illegal trade in cigarettes, alcohol, and fuel is draining up to R300 billion in tax revenue each year.
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Under its National Illicit Economy Disruption Plan, SARS is rolling out a new product verification system.
The system lets consumers scan products with their phones to check authenticity.
This initiative is part of a broader drive with law enforcement and consumer watchdogs to combat tax evasion, counterfeit goods, and organised crime.