Importing to South Africa

South Africa’s top exports include gold, platinum, coal, cars, and diamonds to China, the US, India, Germany, and Japan. South Africa’s top imports include cars, motor vehicle parts, broadcasting equipment, and refined and crude petroleum, mainly from China, Germany, India, the US, and Saudi Arabia. 

Before importing to South Africa, it’s necessary to register as an importer and nominate a local agent with permanent residence in the country to assume liability for customs clearance – a role that TecEx South Africa can fulfill as your Importer of Record. Exporters must also register with South African customs and nominate a local agent.

South Africa complies with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) / WTO customs valuation codes. Correct HS codes for imports and exports are vital for South African customs clearance.

Goods imported to South Africa that are not declared on time risk detainment in a state warehouse. They may also be detained so that other government departments can examine them and ensure their compliance with trade regulations.

As a member of the ATA Convention, South Africa accepts ATA Carnets for temporarily importing commercial samples, exhibition goods, and specific professional equipment. However, to clear customs, the exporter must provide an authorization letter. 

A Provisional Payment (PP) is then required upon import to cover applicable customs duty and VAT. The temporary import must be exported within 6 months unless an extension is applied for and granted. Once exported, the PP will be refunded. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) deals with ATA Carnet imports.

Various provisions must be met when exporting goods for repair to be returned to South Africa. Goods exported for repair under warranty are not dutiable, but VAT may be payable on the cost of repairs.

South Africa is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which consists of Botswana, Lesotho, eSwatini, and Namibia. Under SACU, these countries administer a consistent external tariff, excise duties, and ad valorem customs duties on non-members. Members of SACU also do not trade under rules of origin. The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) carries out tariff investigations, changes, and remedies for SACU. ITAC also issues permits to import restricted goods into South Africa.

Additionally, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has a Free Trade Area that allows free trade between Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The FTA aims to identify and remove non-tariff barriers to increase trade with a smoother movement of goods. While Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo are members of the SADC, they do not participate in the FTA.

South Africa is also a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This FTA aims to eliminate non-tariff trade barriers, enable free trade, and facilitate tariff liberalization. 

With TecEx DDP shipping to South Africa, we can facilitate your door-to-door shipment. This includes compliance requirements like obtaining permits and preparing necessary documents under the correct HS codes, managing the logistics of your shipment, and delivering it to your warehouse or completing the last-mile delivery. We take on your risks and shipping responsibilities.

Only companies registered in South Africa can apply for permits like ICASA certificates, ITAC permits, and NRCS LOAs. Our offices in the country can easily fulfill these requirements and navigate all trade regulations. We are always up-to-date with the latest trade compliance requirements to ensure seamless shipments.

SARs may request proof of Insurance at their discretion. When you use TecEx liability cover, we can supply this for smooth South African customs clearance.

TecEx can also assist you with Return Merchant Authorisation (RMA) to import repaired goods to South Africa. The regulations are strict, and specific documents and permits are required to re-import repaired goods. We have the experience to help you complete these shipments.

Lastly, we can simplify your temporary imports to South Africa. With a strong understanding of the necessary documents, required permits, and limitations, we can ensure your temporary imports are compliant and successful.