Household Goods Logistics

South Africa Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Either a certified copy of your passport or the original
• Residence visa
• Residence permit
• Work permit – for residents a temporary work permit
• 3 copies of customs forms D.A. 304 & P1.160; must present to the Department of Customs
• 3 copies of Settler’s Declaration form, to be completed upon arrival
• Letter from employer verifying customers relocation and contract
• Detailed inventory written in English
  • “PBO” (packed by owner & “misc.” (miscellaneous) unacceptable
• Keys to any locked items
• Measurements and weights must be the same on all documents
• Destination agent must have all necessary documents in possession at least 7 days before arrival of shipment
  • It is recommended to consult with destination agent before above documents completed

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN THE COUNTRY AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE ARIVAL OF SHIPMENT TO ATEND FORMALITITES RELATING TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
• 100% inspection by customs
• Temporary residents allowed duty-free import of household goods and personal effects if they possess a valid temporary work permit and have been in owned and used goods for a minimum of 1 Year prior to import
• Returning residence require to have lived outside of South Africa for a period of at least 6 consecutive months in order to qualify for duty-free import
• Foreign diplomats allowed duty-free importation of household goods and personal effects if provide detailed inventory and a completed diplomatic clearance certificate signed by Consulate/Embassy in South Africa, as well as countersigned by the Department of Foreign Affairs
• You are responsible to pay for “Ad Valorem” wharfage, terminal, examination fee, and so on for all shipments upon reaching the destination, as well as any additional door-to-door charges

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• Tobacco products
• Perfume
• New items, such as furniture are subject to duties and taxes
• Alcohol is taxable and dutiable; also must:
  • Have an import permit and special removal certificate (required)
  • Be easily accessible in container
  • Provide a list of quantity and value
• Firearms require:
  • Import permit – no guarantee authorities will grant import permit; must obtain this prior to import to avoid being denied shipment.
  • 3 copies of form SAP311, D.A. 304 and P1.160
  • A SAP312 will be issued by customs which will allow importer 60 days to officially license firearm with South African police
  • Must be easily accessible in container
  • Subject to 100% inspection
• May import inherited goods duty-free if you provide a certified copy of the last will and testament and a copy of the death certificate wherein the specific items are bestowed
  • Required an import permit
• Antiques require an import permit and an antique dealer certificate

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Narcotics and drugs
• Objectionable and pornographic materials
• Plants, bulbs, seeds, and raw cotton
• Uncooked poultry/meat
• Beeswax, honey, bees and their larvae or eggs, used beehive appliance
• Uncut diamons
• Unwrought gold
• Ammunition

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Any vehicles purchased after January 1, 2000 that are left-hand drive (new or used), will not be allowed for import into South Africa
• Immigrants:
  • 1 vehicle per family; must have been owned & used for at least 1 year prior to import, may be imported duty- free, but VAT of 14% applicable
  • 4 copies of special import permit must be obtained from the South African Embassy in country of origin or from Department of Home Affairs in South Africa
  • Cannot sell or dispose of vehicle for 2 years after import 
  • Requires import permit
  • Original passport needed
  • Requires compliance certificate/letter of authority
• Returning Residents:
  • May import vehicle if has been used and owned for at least 12 months before import
  • Owner of vehicle has lived outside of South Africa for at least 12 consecutive months
  • Taxes and duties apply unless owner can prove upon originally leaving South Africa, they had no intention of ever returning
  • Must obtain import permit from Import and Export Control
  • Letter of authority/compliance certificate
• Temporary Residents:
  • Must log payments covering full duties and taxes with South African Customs; is refundable upon departure from South Africa
  • Requires a valid temporary permit
  • Letter of authority/compliance certificate
• Foreign Diplomats:
  • Requires diplomatic certificate
  • No taxes or duties apply
  • Requires the following documents:
    • Original registration certificate
    • Original purchase invoice
    • Passport
    • Import permit
    • Temporary license
    • 3 copies of forms D.A. 304A & P1.160

PETS

• Requires a veterinary certificate
• Import permit needed
• Rabies vaccination administered 30 before departure

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of South Africa customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **