SARS Customs Clearance in South Africa | Clearing Solutions SA
Professional assistance with SARS Customs clearance, Goods Declarations, customs documentation and compliancefor businesses importing and exporting goods through South Africa.
Professional SARS Customs Clearance
Dealing with SARS Customs can be complicated, particularly when documentation, tariff classification, customs values, permits, duties or inspections are involved.
Clearing Solutions SA assists businesses with the customs clearance process, helping ensure that the required information and supporting documentation are properly prepared and submitted.
We assist importers and exporters with SARS Customs Goods Declarations, customs documentation, tariff classification, duties and VAT, permits, customs queries and inspections.
Whether you are importing a container through Durban, exporting goods through Cape Town, or moving commercial cargo through another South African customs location, we can assist with the applicable customs requirements.
What Is SARS Customs Clearance?
SARS Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to the South African Revenue Service and meeting the applicable Customs requirements before goods can be imported, exported or otherwise moved under a specific customs procedure.
SARS states that importers and exporters, or their applicable clearing or registered agents, must be registered or licensed as prescribed before submitting a Goods Declaration. In general, every importer or exporter must lodge a Goods Declaration unless a specific exemption applies.
The process can involve:
Preparing a Goods Declaration
Reviewing supporting documentation
Tariff and HS code classification
Customs valuation
Duties and taxes
Import VAT
Import or export permits
Customs queries
Documentary inspections
Physical inspections where required
Customs release
Our SARS Customs Clearance Services
SARS Goods Declarations
We assist with preparing and submitting the information required for customs declarations for applicable import and export transactions.
SARS's current Goods Declaration framework includes specific requirements for customs declarations and supporting documentation. SARS also published updated Goods Declaration documents in August 2026, including completion guides for SAD 502, SAD 505 and SAD 509.
Customs Documentation
We review the documentation required for your shipment and identify information that may be needed for the customs declaration.
Depending on the transaction, documents may include:
Commercial invoices
Packing lists
Bills of lading
Air waybills
Certificates of origin
Import or export permits
Product documentation
Transport documents
Other supporting documents requested by Customs
Tariff & HS Code Classification
The correct classification of goods is an important part of the customs process.
The tariff classification can affect applicable duties, taxes, permits and other customs requirements.
We assist businesses with the classification information required for their customs declarations.
Customs Valuation
The customs value of imported goods can affect the duties and taxes payable.
We assist with the customs clearance process and the information required to support the declared customs value.
Duties & Import VAT
Depending on the goods and transaction, customs duties and import VAT may be payable.
We assist with the customs process and can help you understand the documentation and information required for your shipment.
Customs Queries
If SARS requests additional information or supporting documentation, we can assist with reviewing the requirement and preparing the appropriate response.
Customs Inspections
SARS Customs may select goods for documentary review or physical inspection as part of its customs control processes.
Where an inspection is required, we assist with the relevant customs process and documentation.
How the SARS Customs Clearance Process Works
1. Provide Your Shipment Information
Send us your available shipment documentation and details.
This may include your:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or transport document
Description of goods
Country of origin
Destination
Shipment value
Container details
Applicable permits or certificates
2. Review Customs Requirements
We review the information provided to identify the relevant customs requirements.
This may include tariff classification, customs valuation, permits, duties, VAT and supporting documentation.
3. Prepare the Goods Declaration
The relevant Goods Declaration is prepared using the information and supporting documentation supplied.
SARS requires Goods Declarations to be completed in accordance with the applicable customs requirements.
4. Submit to SARS Customs
The declaration is submitted to SARS Customs for processing.
SARS returns a customs status response indicating the status of the declaration.
5. Address Customs Requirements
SARS may request additional documents, information or an inspection.
We assist in responding to the relevant customs requirements.
6. Customs Release
Once the applicable customs requirements have been satisfied and any required duties or taxes have been dealt with, the goods can proceed through the applicable release process.
Documents Required for SARS Customs Clearance
The exact documents required depend on the type of goods, customs procedure and transaction.
Common supporting documents can include:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading
Air waybill
Import/export permits
Certificate of origin
Transport documentation
Product specifications
Customs instructions
Other documents required by SARS
SARS maintains specific supporting-document requirements and codes for customs declarations.
Providing complete and accurate documentation can help reduce unnecessary customs queries and delays.
SARS Import Customs Clearance
If you are importing goods into South Africa, SARS Customs may require a Goods Declaration together with supporting documentation.
Importers must generally be registered with Customs, and SARS provides for importer registration through its Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system.
We can assist with:
Import Goods Declarations
Customs documentation
Tariff classification
Customs valuation
Duties and VAT
Import permits
Customs queries
Inspections
Container clearance
Customs release
For a dedicated explanation of the import process, see our Import Customs Clearance page.
SARS Export Customs Clearance
Exporters are also required to comply with the applicable Customs declaration and registration requirements.
SARS states that exporters must be registered as required, and registered exporters can submit their own declarations or use an appropriate licensed Customs clearing agent or registered agent.
We can assist with:
Export Goods Declarations
Export documentation
Export permits
Certificates of origin
Tariff classification
Customs queries
Inspections
Proof-of-export requirements
For more information, see our Export Customs Clearance page.
SARS Customs Clearance for Containers
We assist businesses with SARS Customs clearance for containerised cargo moving through South African ports.
This can include:
Import containers
Export containers
Full container loads
Commercial cargo
Port customs clearance
Container documentation
Customs inspections
Customs queries
Release processes
Our service can work alongside your freight forwarder, shipping line and transport provider.
For dedicated information about container clearance, see our Container Customs Clearance page.
Customs Registration & SARS Compliance
Businesses involved in importing or exporting goods may need to be registered with SARS Customs.
SARS currently manages Customs registration, licensing and accreditation through its Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system. SARS has also instructed Customs traders to update their Customs codes and entity details through the RLA process.
If you are unsure whether your business has the appropriate Customs registration or documentation in place, we can assist in identifying the requirements relevant to your transaction.
Do You Need a SARS Customs Clearing Agent?
Businesses can, where permitted, submit their own customs declarations or appoint an appropriate customs clearing agent.
SARS states that a person who lodges a Customs Clearance Declaration for reward on behalf of another client, or provides a service that includes the clearance of goods, must be licensed as a Customs clearing agent, subject to the applicable requirements.
Using a customs clearing agent can provide businesses with professional assistance in preparing declarations, managing documentation and responding to customs requirements.
Common SARS Customs Problems
Incorrect Tariff Classification
Incorrect classification can affect duties, taxes and other customs requirements.
Missing Supporting Documents
SARS may request supporting documentation where the information supplied does not adequately support the declaration.
Incorrect Customs Value
Differences or errors relating to the declared value can result in additional customs queries.
Missing Permits
Certain goods are subject to import or export restrictions and may require permits or other approvals.
Customs Inspections
A shipment selected for inspection may require additional processing before release.
Incorrect Declaration Information
Differences between the commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents and Goods Declaration can lead to customs queries.
Why Choose Clearing Solutions SA?
Professional Customs Support
We assist businesses with the practical requirements involved in SARS Customs clearance.
Clear Communication
We keep you informed about your customs clearance and communicate additional requirements when they arise.
Import & Export Expertise
We assist with both import and export customs processes.
Container Clearance
We work with businesses moving commercial containerised cargo through South African ports.
South Africa-Wide Service
We assist businesses with customs clearance requirements across South Africa.
Practical, Reliable Assistance
Our goal is to make the customs process easier to understand and simpler for businesses to manage.
Why Choose Clearing Solutions SA?
Professional Customs Support
We assist businesses with the practical requirements involved in SARS Customs clearance.
Clear Communication
We keep you informed about your customs clearance and communicate additional requirements when they arise.
Import & Export Expertise
We assist with both import and export customs processes.
Container Clearance
We work with businesses moving commercial containerised cargo through South African ports.
South Africa-Wide Service
We assist businesses with customs clearance requirements across South Africa.
Practical, Reliable Assistance
Our goal is to make the customs process easier to understand and simpler for businesses to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SARS Customs clearance?
SARS Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to SARS Customs and meeting the applicable requirements for importing, exporting or moving goods under a particular customs procedure.
What is a SARS Goods Declaration?
A Goods Declaration is the declaration submitted to Customs containing the required information about the goods and transaction.
SARS states that importers and exporters must generally lodge a Goods Declaration unless a specific exemption applies.
What documents do I need for SARS Customs clearance?
The documents required depend on the transaction and goods. Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, permits and certificates where applicable.
Do I need to register with SARS Customs?
Businesses importing or exporting goods generally need to meet the applicable Customs registration requirements. SARS manages Customs registration through its RLA system.
Can Clearing Solutions SA handle my SARS Customs clearance?
Yes. Clearing Solutions SA assists businesses with import and export customs clearance, Goods Declarations, documentation, duties and VAT, permits, customs queries and inspections.
Can you clear a container through SARS?
Yes. We assist with SARS Customs clearance for containerised cargo moving through South African ports.
What happens if SARS stops my shipment?
SARS may request additional information, supporting documents or an inspection. We can assist in reviewing the requirement and responding with the relevant documentation.
Do I need a customs clearing agent?
You can submit your own declarations where permitted, or appoint an appropriately licensed customs clearing agent. SARS sets specific licensing requirements for persons providing customs clearing services for reward.
Can you assist with both imports and exports?
Yes. We assist with both import and export customs clearance requirements.
Need Help With SARS Customs Clearance?
If you are importing or exporting goods and need assistance with SARS Customs, our team can help you understand the applicable requirements and manage the customs clearance process.
Request a Customs Clearance Quote
Send us your shipment details and available documents, and we will review your requirements and advise you on the next steps.