New-to-Market U.S. exporters are actively encouraged to engage the services of a reputable freight forwarding/customs clearance agent well versed in South African convention.
Customs South Africa (Customs SA), a division of SARS, requires that an importer register with its office and obtain an importer’s code from SARS. This impacts many importers and may cause delays to clearance of goods.
SARS uses a Single Administrative Document (SAD) to facilitate the customs clearance of goods for importers, exporters, and cross-border traders. The SAD is a multi-purpose goods declaration form covering imports, exports, cross border, and transit movements.
The following is required for shipments to South Africa:
To reduce the likelihood of a dutiable assessment of samples, the shipper must state the following: “Sample: Of no commercial value / Value for customs purposes is USD xxx.”
Zero-value invoices are not accepted by South African customs authorities; the correct value must be stated of the shipment in question.
Import licenses are required for restricted items. Importers must possess an import permit prior to the date of shipment. Customs SA may impose penalties on importers who fail to produce a required permit. The permit is only valid in respect of the goods of the class and country specified. It is non-transferable and may only be used by the person to whom it was issued. Import permits are valid only for the calendar year in which they are issued.
The Director of Import and Export Control at the Department of Trade and Industry issue import permits required for specific categories of restricted goods. These categories have been reduced, but still must be obtained for most used / second-hand items.
The updated SARS import manual can be found at:
http://www.sars.gov.za/AllDocs/OpsDocs/Manuals/SC-CF-04%20-%20Completion%20of%20declarations%20-%20External%20Manual.pdf.
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