Customs Broker | Customs Clearing Process
Federal Clearing & Forwarding
The customs clearance process includes, checking the SARS declaration against the shipping documents produced (including, but not limited to, the invoice, bill of lading/airway bill, certificate of origin, permits, etc.), as well as the assessment and collection of import duty and VAT. Customs may detain any shipment and call for an examination or request additional information, including samples.

There are many regulatory bodies in South Africa. These include, the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications), Port health and Department of Agriculture. As a customs broker we can assist you with the import or export of a variety of products, including offering advice on possible import and export control regulations which may be generally listed in regulatory publications. Permits or certificates relating to controlled, prohibited, or restricted goods must be in place prior to your goods being shipped. This will avoid complications at time of import which may result in delays, additional charges, customs penalties, or forfeiture. Most second-hand goods require an import permit, which must also be in place prior to shipping and produced at the time of clearance. Restricted goods permits can be obtained from ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission). If goods are not declared/cleared on time they may be removed and detained in a State Warehouse.

Companies must register with SARS as importers/Exporters. We can guide you through the process and review your documentation prior to the submission of your application to SARS.

Personal effects and Household goods may be imported under rebate of duties and vat provided specific circumstances/conditions are met.
The rebate is available to returning residents who must be in the country and be able to prove by means of their passport that they have been overseas for an unbroken period of six months or more (recently).

Non-South Africans who want to use the rebate facility on change of residence must hold an acceptable residence visa for SA (visitors visas are not acceptable). In general, customs will look for long-term work permits, own business visas, or study visas. Certain goods, for example vehicles, attract additional import requirements which must be met.

We can offer bonded warehousing facilities on application through either our own bonded warehouse or third-party bonded warehouses. This secured area allows for dutiable goods to be stored without payment of duty for a limited period.

We can assist with customs clearing temporary imports, including goods travelling on an ATA Carnet. A Carnet is an international customs and temporary export-import document. It is used to clear customs without paying duties and import taxes on merchandise that will be re-exported within 12 months (certain countries 6 months from date of issue). These goods will be exported-imported under customs supervision by means of a physical examination. No consumables can be imported on a temporary basis.

Transit / in bond movements through South Africa require a registered bonded remover with a road bond sufficient to cover the duty and vat based on the value of goods and tariff heading. There are strict acquittal documents and procedures for all in bond movements.

This is general advice only. Please Contact Us for a specific review of your specific import or export shipment.

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