Exporting to South Africa: a step-by-step checklist for manufacturers

To export to South Africa you need a buyer who can import, correct tariff classification, a permit or standards check if your product is regulated, and clean customs paperwork. The importer of record must be registered with SARS Customs. This checklist walks through the steps in order and points to the official source for each. It is general information, not legal advice.

Key facts

• Importers and exporters, and their clearing or registered agents, must be registered or licensed before they submit declarations (SARS).
• Import VAT is 15% on the customs value plus duty plus 10% of the customs value (SARS).
• ITAC runs import control, including import permits, and tariff investigations (ITAC).
• The dtic lists export support, trade agreements and AfCFTA information (the dtic).

What are the steps to export to South Africa?

There are seven steps: pick the product and market, find a buyer, check the buyer, classify the product, clear permits and standards, agree terms and costs, and ship with correct documents. The sections below cover each one. Skip none; most delays at the border come from classification or paperwork.

Step 1: Who will import your goods?

Decide who is the importer of record. Importers and exporters, and their clearing or registered agents, must be registered or licensed before submitting declarations (SARS goods declaration).

Registration is done through the RLA system on SARS eFiling. SARS states that clearing agents cannot independently register foreign entities, and that foreign principals are asked to visit their nearest Customs branch office (SARS registration). Most manufacturers avoid this by selling to a South African importer or distributor who is already registered.

Step 2: How do I find a buyer or distributor?

Start with trade promotion channels and direct search. The dtic lists export promotion and market access support, and its contact centre handles trade enquiries (the dtic). Trade fairs, industry associations and existing customers in neighbouring markets are also routes.

South African government tenders are published on the National Treasury eTenders portal, and suppliers who want to sell to the state self-register on the Central Supplier Database.

B2B.Africa is one place to post a supply search or answer buyer requests; it does not promise replies or contracts. See the pricing page for what is paid.

Step 3: How do I check the buyer before I ship?

Confirm the company exists, confirm who can sign for it, and compare its details with your documents. Our guide on how to check a South African company lists public sources you can search yourself.

Agree payment terms before production. Do not ship on promises alone.

Step 4: How do I classify the product and estimate duty?

Find the tariff heading for your product, then read the rate in the schedules to the Customs and Excise Act. SARS says duty depends on tariff, valuation and origin (SARS duties and taxes), and the rates are in the SARS schedules.

Your buyer will also pay import VAT, which SARS sets at 15% on a base that includes a 10% uplift on the customs value, per the SARS VAT guidance. Our guide to South African import duty and VAT has a worked example. Quote landed prices with the buyer's accountant or a licensed customs broker.

Step 5: Does my product need a permit or standards approval?

Check this before production, not before shipping. Some goods need an import permit from ITAC, whose Import Control section publishes application forms, regulations and guidelines (ITAC).

Other goods fall under compulsory specifications administered by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS, site) or standards from SABS (site). Ask the buyer or a broker which rules apply to your tariff heading. Requirements differ by product category and change, so confirm yours with the NRCS directly; our guide to NRCS, SABS and ITAC explains which body covers what.

Step 6: Which documents do I need?

Prepare a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and certificate of origin where relevant, plus any permit or approval from Step 5. SARS says clients must hold transaction documentation, and that supporting documents may be requested after declaration (SARS goods declaration).

Make sure the product description, quantity, value and origin are identical on every document and match the tariff heading.

Step 7: Who clears the goods and how do I ship?

A registered importer or clearing agent lodges the declaration electronically or manually, and Customs replies with a status message (SARS goods declaration). Use a licensed freight forwarder or customs broker, and agree in the Incoterms who pays each cost.

B2B.Africa does not provide logistics, escrow or payment protection.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Shipping before checking whether a permit or standards approval applies.
• Using a tariff heading chosen only because it has a low rate.
• Quoting without counting import VAT and local costs.
• Selling to an unchecked company on open terms.

Where can I get an official answer?

Ask SARS for customs and tariff questions, ITAC for permits, the NRCS or SABS for standards, and a licensed customs broker for the shipment itself. Rules change, so confirm each step before you commit.