Country Shipping Guide

Shipping to South Africa: Customs, Documents & Ports

South Africa is Africa's most industrialized economy with Durban as the primary container port and gateway to southern Africa.

Country
South Africa
Region
Africa
Currency
ZAR
Major ports
ZADUR, ZACPT
Time zone
Africa/Johannesburg

South Africa is Africa's most industrialized economy with Durban as the primary container port and gateway to southern Africa. Cape Town serves the western region. The country has reasonable logistics infrastructure and serves as a distribution hub for the SADC region.

Customs in South Africa

South African Revenue Service (SARS) manages customs. Import duties vary by product and origin (preferential rates under various agreements). VAT is 15%. Import permits required for many products. Health certificates needed for food products. SABS standards may apply.

Documents required for South Africa

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Import Permit (for controlled goods)
  • Health certificate (for food products)
  • NRCS Letter of Authority (for regulated goods)

Tips for shipping to South Africa

  • Durban handles most container traffic
  • Cape Town serves western South Africa
  • SADC hub for regional distribution
  • Infrastructure better than most African countries

Popular routes to South Africa

  • shanghai-durban

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Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to ship to South Africa?

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin, Import Permit (for controlled goods), Health certificate (for food products), NRCS Letter of Authority (for regulated goods)

How does customs work in South Africa?

South African Revenue Service (SARS) manages customs.