Export Customs Clearance South Africa | Clearing Solutions SA

What Is Export Customs Clearance?

Export customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to South African Customs before they leave the country and completing the requirements necessary for the goods to proceed to their destination.

SARS requires exporters to lodge a Goods Declaration unless a specific exemption applies. Exporters must also be registered with Customs, although an exporter can appoint a licensed customs clearing agent to handle the declaration on their behalf.

Clearing Solutions SA assists businesses with the customs requirements involved in exporting goods from South Africa, helping ensure that the necessary information and documentation are addressed before the shipment leaves the country.

Our Export Customs Clearance Services

Export Customs Declarations

We assist with the preparation and submission of export Goods Declarations for businesses sending goods out of South Africa.

The declaration provides Customs with the information required to process the export and record the movement of goods.

Export Customs Documentation

We assist with the documentation required to support an export customs clearance.

Depending on the shipment, this may include:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Transport documentation

• Certificate of origin

• Export permits

• Supporting customs documentation

• Other documents required for the specific goods or destination

SARS states that export-related documents, including transport documents, may need to be produced to Customs when required.

Export Permits & Compliance

Certain goods may be prohibited, restricted or subject to additional export requirements.

Where an export permit, licence or certificate is required, the applicable documentation must be addressed before the goods can be cleared for export.

SARS specifically notes that certain exports require permits, with permits for restricted goods available through the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).

Certificates of Origin

A certificate of origin can be important when exporting goods, particularly where the destination country's customs authorities require proof of origin or where preferential treatment under a trade agreement may apply.

We assist with the customs documentation requirements associated with export shipments and applicable origin documentation.

Tariff & HS Code Classification

Correct tariff classification is an important component of customs compliance.

We assist with tariff and HS code requirements relevant to export declarations and the goods being exported.

Customs Queries & Inspections

Customs may request supporting documentation or examine goods as part of the export process.

SARS states that examination facilities are available at most international ports of entry and exit, as well as at transit sheds and container depots.

We assist with addressing customs requirements that arise during the export clearance process.

Proof of Export

Proof that goods have been exported can be important for certain customs procedures and transactions.

SARS requires proof of export in specific circumstances, including certain bonded and transit movements.

We assist with the documentation associated with the export clearance process.

How the Export Customs Clearance Process Works

01 — Provide Your Shipment Details

Send us the information available for your export shipment.

This may include the commercial invoice, packing list, transport details, product information, destination and any applicable permits or certificates.

02 — Review the Export Requirements

We review the shipment information to identify the customs and documentation requirements relevant to the export.

This may include tariff classification, export permits, certificates of origin and destination-related requirements.

03 — Prepare the Export Declaration

The required information is prepared for the export Goods Declaration and supporting documentation is checked.

SARS states that exporters and their clearing or registered agents must be registered or licensed as prescribed before submitting a Goods Declaration.

04 — Submit to Customs

The export declaration is submitted to Customs through the applicable process.

SARS may accept the declaration or request supporting documentation, further information or an examination.

05 — Address Customs Requirements

If Customs requests additional information or an inspection, we assist with the relevant clearance requirements.

06 — Customs Release

Once the applicable customs requirements have been satisfied, the goods can proceed through the designated export process and toward their port or border of exit.

SARS states that goods may only leave South Africa through designated ports of exit.

Documents Required for Export Customs Clearance

The exact documents required depend on the goods, destination and export procedure.

Common export documents can include:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Transport document

• Bill of lading

• Air waybill

• Certificate of origin

• Export permit, where applicable

• Product information

• Customs supporting documents

• Documents required under applicable trade agreements

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition also identifies commercial and transport documentation as part of the export process, with additional certificates or verification documents depending on the goods and transaction.

Providing complete and accurate documentation before the shipment is presented for export can help reduce unnecessary delays.

Export Permits & Restricted Goods

Not all goods can be exported under the same customs requirements.

Certain products may be prohibited or restricted and may require an export permit, licence or certificate before Customs will allow the goods to proceed.

SARS states that some exports are subject to inspection by other authorities and that special permits, licences or certificates may be required.

If you are unsure whether your goods require an export permit, it is important to establish the requirements before the shipment is presented for export.

Certificates of Origin & Trade Agreements

The country of origin of goods can be important when exporting, particularly when the buyer is seeking preferential tariff treatment under an applicable trade agreement.

Depending on the destination and goods, exporters may need to provide appropriate origin documentation.

SARS has updated its Goods Declaration policy so that certification-of-origin requirements for export declarations are addressed through its Administration of Trade Agreement policy.

Clearing Solutions SA can assist with the customs documentation requirements associated with your export shipment.

Exporting by Sea, Air and Road

Sea Freight Exports

We assist with customs clearance for commercial cargo and containerised exports moving through South African ports.

Road Exports

We support export customs clearance for goods moving from South Africa into neighbouring countries and other regional markets, subject to the applicable customs requirements.

Air Freight Exports

We assist businesses with export customs requirements for goods being shipped by air through designated South African airports.

The exact customs process and supporting documentation can vary according to the mode of transport, goods and destination.

Export Customs Clearance for Containers

For businesses exporting goods in containers, customs clearance is an important step before the cargo can leave South Africa.

Clearing Solutions SA assists with export customs clearance for containerised shipments moving through South African ports.

We can assist with the customs declaration, supporting documentation and applicable export requirements so that the shipment can proceed through the export process.

Our South African port coverage includes:

Durban | Cape Town | Gqeberha | Richards Bay

Common Export Customs Issues

Export shipments can encounter delays when information or documentation is incomplete or when additional regulatory requirements apply.

Common issues include:

• Incorrect or incomplete documentation

• Incorrect tariff classification

• Missing export permits

• Missing certificates or supporting documents

• Customs queries

• Customs inspections

• Restricted or controlled goods

• Incorrect shipment information

• Problems with proof of export

• Requirements associated with trade agreements

SARS may request supporting documents and can examine goods during the export clearance process.

Preparing the export documentation correctly and identifying applicable requirements early can help reduce avoidable problems.

Why Choose Clearing Solutions SA?

Clear Communication

We believe export customs clearance should be straightforward. We communicate the requirements and progress of your shipment clearly.

Practical Support

We focus on the actual customs and documentation requirements of your shipment rather than providing generic information.

Business-Focused Service

We understand that exports form part of a wider supply chain. Customs clearance is one part of getting your goods to the international or regional buyer.

South Africa-Wide Support

We assist businesses with export customs clearance requirements across South Africa and support shipments moving through major ports and commercial centres.

About Clearing Solutions SA

Clearing Solutions SA is a South African customs-clearing company focused on providing professional customs clearance and compliance support to businesses importing and exporting goods.

Owned by Cibelle Kruse, the company is built around clear communication, attention to detail and practical support throughout the customs clearance process.

We work with exporters, importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and logistics businesses that require reliable customs clearance support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is export customs clearance?

Export customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to South African Customs and completing the applicable requirements before the goods leave the country.

Do exporters need to register with SARS?

SARS states that any person wishing to export goods from South Africa must register as an exporter, subject to the applicable requirements. An exporter can appoint a licensed customs clearing agent to handle customs declarations on their behalf.

What documents are required for export customs clearance?

The requirements depend on the shipment and goods. Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list and transport document, while certificates of origin, permits and other supporting documents may be required depending on the export.

Do I need an export permit?

Not necessarily. Export permit requirements depend on the goods and applicable export-control measures. Certain restricted goods require additional permits, licences or certificates.

Do exports pay customs duty?

Export duties can apply to certain goods. The applicable treatment depends on the specific product and customs requirements. Certain export duties and procedures apply to particular goods, including specific regulated products.

Can you clear export containers?

Yes. Clearing Solutions SA provides export customs clearance support for containerised shipments moving through major South African ports.

Can you assist with exports to other African countries?

We assist with export customs clearance requirements for shipments leaving South Africa. The exact requirements depend on the goods, route, destination and applicable customs and trade rules.

Can you help with a certificate of origin?

We can assist with the customs documentation requirements associated with your export. Where a certificate of origin or other origin documentation is required, the specific requirements depend on the destination and applicable trade agreement.

Need Help With an Export?

Whether you are exporting a full container, commercial shipment or specialised goods, Clearing Solutions SA can assist with your export customs clearance requirements.

Send us your shipment details and available documentation and our team can review your requirements.