Customs Regulations

SOUTH AFRICA CUSTOMS REGULATION
Posted on 02-Apr-2022

SOUTHN AFRICA

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required                                          

Original passport (including page with entry stamp)
Original bill of lading (OBL) / express or telex release / (copy of) air waybill (AWB)
Detailed inventory
Permanent residence documents / temporary residence permit / work permit
Affidavit (returning citizens only)
Customs form DA 304 and P.1.160
Diplomatic clearance (diplomats)
Certificate from Embassy signed by South African Department of Foreign Affairs (diplomats) 
 

Specific Information

The owner of the goods must possess required documents and forward a copy to agent prior to import.
The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
The shipment of household items, new furniture, and precious metal objects are treated as a commercial import and subject to the payment of full duties.
The following household goods may be imported duty free if meeting the following requirements:
Works of art forming a part of a bona fide household shipment or are over 100 years old.
The articles have been in the use and possession for more than 12 months and are not for sale or other disposal.
Returning residents must have been abroad for a period of at least 6 consecutive months.
Diplomats may import items duty free.
Embassy will require the following documents before diplomats can apply for the Certificate A or B:
Copy of detailed inventory
Copy of OBL / AWB
Affidavit must state the reason for arrival in to South Africa (returning citizens only).

Motor Vehicles
Documents Required

Customs form DA 304/A (only needed for automobiles / motorcycles)
Vehicle registration (only needed for automobiles / motorcycles)
Original bill of lading (OBL) / express or telex release / (copy of) air waybill (AWB) (only needed for automobiles / motorcycles)
Document showing that vehicle has been in the owner of the goods’ use and possessions abroad for more than 12 months prior to the importation of the vehicle (e.g., original purchase invoice, insurance certificate, etc.).
Valuation certificate (3 copies)
Import permit
Letter of authority (LOA) issued by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Pretoria (must be submitted at the time of clearance)
 

Specific Information

No left-hand drive motor vehicles can be imported if registered on or after January 1, 2000.
The owner of the goods must be in possession of the import permit and letter of authority prior to the arrival of any motor vehicles, motorbikes, motor scooters, or motorcycles (anything motorized); delays related to the permit may result in demurrage charges (also applies to diplomats).
All motor cars, motor bikes, scooters, or any other motorized vehicles are subject to Customs exam.
Owner of the goods must be present for pickup of motorized vehicle at Elliottwarehouse.
The owner of the goods must be in the country at least 10 business days prior to arrival of an ocean vessel.
For air shipments the owner of the goods must arrive prior to the shipment in order to proceed with the Customs documentation.
The origin agent cannot send the shipment until the destination agent gives a “green light”.
If the shipment is sent prior to receiving a “green light” from the destination agent, Customs clearance charges are applicable.
A faxed copy of the letter of authority and the import permit must be received by the agent to avoid a delay of Customs clearance.
Originals of the documents will be required after the owner of the goods
Motorized vehicles should not be shipped until transferee has proven possession of all required documents to Customs and has received written permission for import.
Temporary residents must pay in cash.
Vehicles cannot be sold for at least 2 years after the date of importation.
The rate of value added tax (VAT) is assessed on the import value of the vehicle.
A fee is payable to the South Africa Bureau of Standards.
Proof of payment must be sent with LOA application to NRCS.
Incomplete or missing documents may result in the detainment or destruction of the shipment.
Returning residents must pay full duties and taxes.
Temporary residents must provide a Customs bond to cover full duties / taxes.
Temporary residents do not need an import permit. 
A refund may be possible at the time of export; contact agent for details.
Foreign dip