SOUTH AFRICA – IMPORT REGULATIONS

You will be required to supply the following, prior to the departure of your effects from our depot, which should be submitted either prior to, or upon completion of packing at residence. Alternatively they can be submitted directly to our South African office.

A. Settlers (immigrants)

• Residence Visa (applications can be made at The South African Embassy in the foreign country or in South Africa)
• Work Permit (permits are granted on the basis of a permanent job offer or guaranteed position of employment)
• Settlers Declaration Forms (in triplicate) to be completed upon arrival
• Customs Forms DA304 and P1 .160 (in triplicate) must be countersigned by the Department of Customs and Excise on presentation of immigration permit and passport
• Temporary Permit or Temporary Work permit, if Immigration Permit has not yet been received
• Customers should not fill in these documents without prior consultation with our appointed Destination Agent

B. Non-Settlers (temporary residents)

• Temporary Work Permits
• Passport

 

Customs Formalities for Personal Effects Household Goods

Used household and personal effects are permitted to be imported duty free into South Africa by both the permanent resident and temporary resident. However National Ports Authority Wharfage will be charged.

 

Wharfage is calculated per container and not value, which means your client will be paying a minimum of: 

20 ft Sole Use - R1856.00 - Approx £125.00

40 ft Sole Use - R3712.00 - Approx £250.00

Groupage consignments - R74.10 per Cbm - Approx £5.00 per Cbm               

These rates for FCL are regardless of the volume.  If there is a motor vehicle shipped groupage, then the rate will be calculated on the gross volume utilised in the container inclusive of any crating/over-crating.

 

SA Customs Inspections:

South African Customs inspect virtually every container and charge approx R150.00 plus VAT per hour for the inspection. This calculates to approx £11.40 Inc VAT.

Groupage shipments will be charged proportionally.

 

The following are restricted and dutiable items:

• Perfume and tobacco products
• Alcohol is dutiable and taxable - an import permit is required
• Firearms and ammunition may be imported duty free but an import permit has to be obtained from Import and Export Control in Pretoria before importation. Form SAP311 must be completed and signed by the importer which South African Customs will retain and there-after issue form SAP312 allowing the importer 60 days to officially license the firearm with the South African Police. Firearms/ammunition have to be physically inspected by the South African Customs before they will issue form SAP312 and should therefore be packed in an identifiable package and placed in an easily accessible position in the container.
• Certain quantities of tobacco, alcohol and perfumes may be imported duty free, but must form part of your baggage allowance on your arrival into the country.

 

Prohibited Items

• Drugs
• Counterfeit currency
• Explosives
• Plants
• Perishable food stuffs
• Animal products

Motor Vehicles (inc Motorcycles)

 

• Customs form DA 304 A (in triplicate) to be attested by customs
• Copy of purchase receipt required
• Import Permit and evidence of the date of delivery of the vehicle to your shipping company
• Motor vehicles may be imported duty and tax free into South Africa as long as it is owned for at least twelve months prior to immigration
• Vehicles cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of for 18 months
• Customs will require proof of ownership of the motor vehicle
• Sales tax is additional to duty and not subject to exemption (14% of declared value)
• National Ports Authority Wharfage will apply and is additional
• Import permit required for boats, trailers, recreational vehicles etc.
• Duty applies to vehicles imported by foreign nationals taking up temporary residence and to returning residence

 

Please bear in mind that it is always the owner's own responsibility to ensure that the vehicle meets the standards and regulations that apply, and that all applicable documents are presented to the authorities in South Africa.

Prior to shipping a motor vehicle or motorcycle, the owner must obtain an "Import Permit". This Import Permit needs to be obtained from the following authority:

The Director: Import and Export Control
Private Bag X192
PRETORIA 0001
Telephone:      (012) 310 9791
Facsimile:        (012) 322 0298

More detailed information is available by visiting the South African Department of Foreign Affairs website .
http://www.dfa.gov.za/travelling/cars.htm

Enquires regarding the charges payable in South Africa should be directed to:

The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Services: Customs
Private Bag X923
PRETORIA 0001
Telephone:      (012) 422 4000
Facsimile:        (012) 422 6991