Customs Clearance For Importers & Exporters | Clearing Solutions SA

Customs Services for Importers

Importing goods into South Africa can involve multiple customs and regulatory requirements.

We assist importers with:

• Import Goods Declarations

• Customs documentation

• Commercial invoice and packing list requirements

• Bill of lading documentation

• Tariff and HS code classification

• Customs valuation

• Customs duties

• Import VAT

• Import permits

• Restricted and controlled goods

• Certificates of origin

• Customs queries

• Customs inspections

• Container customs clearance

• Customs release

SARS generally requires importers to lodge a Goods Declaration unless an applicable exemption exists, together with supporting documentation where required. Customs Services for Importers

Import Customs Clearance Process

Our import clearance process generally involves:

1. Shipment Information
You provide the available shipment and product information.

2. Document Review
We review the commercial and transport documentation.

3. Customs Requirements
We identify applicable classification, permits, duties, VAT and supporting-document requirements.

4. Goods Declaration
The applicable customs declaration is prepared and submitted.

5. Customs Processing
SARS Customs processes the declaration and may request additional information or an inspection.

6. Release
Once the applicable requirements have been satisfied, the goods can proceed through the relevant release process.

For more information, see our Import Customs Clearance page.

Customs Services for Exporters

Exporting from South Africa also requires compliance with the applicable customs and export requirements.

We assist exporters with:

• Export Goods Declarations

• Export documentation

• Commercial invoices

• Packing lists

• Transport documents

• Export permits where applicable

• Certificates of origin

• Tariff classification

• Customs queries

• Customs inspections

• Proof-of-export requirements

• Cross-border customs documentation

SARS states that persons wishing to export goods from South Africa must meet the applicable exporter registration requirements, and exporters may use an appropriately licensed customs clearing agent or registered agent. (sars.gov.za)

Export Customs Clearance Process

1. Shipment Details
We gather the information required about your goods, destination and shipment.

2. Documentation Review
We review the available commercial and transport documentation.

3. Export Requirements
We identify applicable permits, certificates, classification and customs requirements.

4. Goods Declaration
The applicable export Goods Declaration is prepared and submitted.

5. Customs Processing
Customs may process the declaration or request additional information or examination.

6. Export Clearance
Once the applicable requirements have been satisfied, the goods can proceed through the relevant export process.

For more information, see our Export Customs Clearance page.

Import & Export Documentation

Accurate documentation is essential to the customs clearance process.

Depending on your shipment, documents may include:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Bill of lading

• Air waybill

• Transport documents

• Goods Declaration

• Import permit

• Export permit

• Certificate of origin

• Product certificates

• Customs instructions

• Other supporting documents

We assist businesses in understanding the documentation required for their particular customs transaction.

See our Customs Documentation & Compliance page for more information.

Import Permits & Restricted Goods

Certain imported products are subject to additional controls and may require permits, licences, certificates or other approvals.

Examples can include certain:

• Agricultural products

• Food products

• Animal products

• Plant products

• Chemicals

• Pharmaceutical products

• Controlled goods

• Used goods

• Other restricted products

SARS maintains information on prohibited and restricted goods and the applicable customs requirements. (sars.gov.za)

We can assist importers in identifying potential permit and compliance requirements before their shipment arrives.

See our Import Permits & Customs Compliance page for more information.

Tariff & HS Code Classification

Correct classification is an important part of importing and exporting.

The applicable tariff classification can affect:

• Customs duties

• Import VAT

• Permit requirements

• Restrictions

• Trade preferences

• Customs reporting

We assist businesses with the classification information required for customs clearance.

Customs Duties & Import VAT

Imported goods may be subject to customs duties and import VAT depending on the goods, classification, customs value and applicable customs treatment.

The applicable amount can vary between products and transactions.

We assist businesses with the customs clearance process and the documentation required to support the relevant customs declaration.

Certificates of Origin & Trade Agreements

The country of origin of goods can be relevant to customs treatment and preferential trade arrangements.

Depending on the transaction and destination, a certificate or other origin documentation may be required.

We assist importers and exporters with the customs documentation associated with origin requirements.

Customs Clearance for Container Shipments

Many importers and exporters move goods by container through South African ports.

We assist with the customs clearance requirements associated with:

• 20ft containers

• 40ft containers

• Full container loads

• Commercial cargo

• Import containers

• Export containers

• Port customs clearance

Our customs services can work alongside your freight forwarder, shipping line and transport provider.

For more information, see our Container Customs Clearance page.

Cross-Border Import & Export

We also assist businesses moving commercial goods between South Africa and neighbouring African countries.

This can include customs requirements associated with:

• Botswana

• Zimbabwe

• Namibia

• Mozambique

• Eswatini

• Lesotho

Cross-border shipments can involve additional customs, transit and documentation requirements depending on the route and goods.

See our Cross-Border Customs Clearance page for more information.

Common Challenges for Importers & Exporters

Incomplete Documentation

Missing or incomplete documents can result in additional customs queries and delays.

Incorrect Tariff Classification

An incorrect HS code can affect duties, permits and other customs requirements.

Missing Permits

Certain goods require permits or other approvals before they can be imported or exported.

Incorrect Customs Values

Differences between the transaction documents and declared customs information can result in additional queries.

Customs Inspections

Shipments selected for examination may require additional processing before release.

Documentation That Does Not Match

Differences between invoices, packing lists, transport documents and customs declarations can cause problems during customs processing.

Why Choose Clearing Solutions SA?

Import & Export Support

We assist businesses with both sides of international trade.

Customs Documentation

We help businesses understand and manage the documents required for customs clearance.

Compliance Support

We assist with applicable customs, permit and regulatory requirements.

Container & Commercial Cargo

We work with businesses moving commercial goods, including containerised shipments.

Clear Communication

We keep clients informed about customs requirements, queries and additional documentation.

South Africa-Wide Service

We assist importers and exporters with customs requirements across South Africa.

Who We Help

Our customs clearance services are suitable for:

Importers

Businesses bringing products, stock, raw materials, equipment or other commercial goods into South Africa.

Exporters

South African businesses sending commercial products to international markets.

Manufacturers

Businesses importing raw materials, machinery, components or exporting finished products.

Wholesalers & Distributors

Businesses regularly importing commercial stock for distribution.

Retailers & E-Commerce Businesses

Businesses importing products for sale to customers in South Africa.

Freight Forwarders & Logistics Companies

Logistics businesses requiring customs clearance support for their customers.

Agriculture & Food Businesses

Businesses importing or exporting agricultural and food-related products subject to applicable customs and regulatory requirements.

About Clearing Solutions SA

Clearing Solutions SA is a South African customs clearing company focused on providing reliable, professional customs clearance solutions for businesses importing and exporting goods.

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

We assist importers, exporters, logistics companies and businesses with customs declarations, documentation, permits, compliance and customs clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do importers need a customs clearing agent?

Importers can submit their own customs declarations where permitted or appoint an appropriately licensed customs clearing agent. SARS sets specific registration and licensing requirements for customs participants. (sars.gov.za)

Do exporters need to register with SARS?

SARS states that persons wishing to export goods from South Africa must meet the applicable exporter registration requirements. (sars.gov.za)

What documents do importers need?

Common documents include commercial invoices, packing lists and transport documents. Depending on the goods, additional permits, certificates and supporting documentation may be required.

What documents do exporters need?

Export documentation can include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, export Goods Declaration and, where applicable, permits and certificates of origin.

Do all imports require an import permit?

No. Permit requirements depend on the specific goods and applicable regulations.

Can you clear containers?

Yes. Clearing Solutions SA assists with customs clearance for containerised commercial cargo.

Can you assist with exports to neighbouring African countries?

Yes. We assist with cross-border customs requirements involving South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Can you assist with SARS Customs queries?

Yes. We can assist with reviewing customs queries and identifying the documentation or information required to respond.

How early should I contact a customs clearing agent?

Ideally, customs and documentation requirements should be considered before the goods are shipped. Early preparation gives you more time to identify potential permit, classification or documentation issues.

Need a Customs Clearing Agent?

Whether you are importing goods into South Africa or exporting products to international markets, Clearing Solutions SA can assist with the customs clearance and compliance process.

Request a Customs Clearance Quote