The importer must have a valid importer code from Customs
Authorities
Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, an Original Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin and a Packing List.
HS Codes must
be stated clearly on Commercial Invoice. Where the HS Codes are not
stated, Customs Authorities shall determine the proper HS Codes based
on the goods and the stated description
The customs valuation is based on FOB (Free On Board) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty and VAT is the sum of the cost of goods and inland charges at origin up until on board a flight or vessel
Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
The standard rate of VAT imposed on
imported goods into South Africa is 15%
Imports shipped under International Express (i.e. courier) with a declared value below ZAR 500, are generally treated as duty free. However,
customs may at any stage request a formal customs clearance (SAD500) and in such cases, may attract Duties and VAT charges.
Goods with declared value of more
than a ZAR 500 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a
formal customs clearance
The following are trade agreements with South Africa that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
Upon entry of goods into
South Africa on temporary basis for the purpose of taking
part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to
customs duties has to be made for the benefit of Customs Authorities. The
deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being
exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:
Bill of entry
Original
Waybill
Original
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
(detailed)
Registration of goods for re-importation Form (please refer to section of Useful Customs Forms)
When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance
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When exporting goods from
South Africa some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of
goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods
when exporting
Exporters need to include the
following documents with their goods:
Original Commercial Invoice
Fee: ZAR 250 per shipment presented to customs authorities
For
certain goods, a strategic export
license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military, dual-use, and chemicals
Please
contact Aramex South Africa in order to confirm shipments’ details
Other documents that
could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please
select country name on this
page)
Important Notes
All exported goods might be
inspected by Customs Authorities
Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations
of South Africa
Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations
of South Africa
In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable
for transport by Aramex:
Monetary items including currency,
fake money, and coins
Publications that are offensive to
religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
Narcotics and drugs including
heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
Counterfeit goods covering all
brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
Fireworks
Ivory and ivory products*
Furs*
Jewelry, precious metals , stones,
articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
Bullion
Chemical waste and nuclear waste
Hazardous as defined in IATA
Regulations*
Ammunitions*
Human remains, including ashes*
Animals, plants, food items and
perishable
*
Pornographic related material
*Certain goods which are
listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if
exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations
Customs Authorities will direct importer to the designated authorities for goods that require approval. Some examples are shown below:
Aramex offers clearance service covering
the following Customs Ports:
Port of Durban
Port of Cape Town
Johannesburg inland port
Port Elizabeth
Aramex offers a wide range of customs
clearance services (starting with Delivery Order collection up to delivery of
goods). In addition, Aramex offers storage in Aramex warehouses when needed.
In key locations, Aramex
employees are certified and supported by a customer service team to keep
customers updated, and address all inquiries. Please contact our Aramex Customer Service
team
for an offer