Moving to South Africa

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

You may not import any goods made from endangered species. Exposed movie film or video tape must be declared on entry.

HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Immigrants, Returning Residents and Temporary Residents: Used household goods and personal effects may be imported into the Republic of South Africa duty free. Customs forms DA304 and P1.160 must be completed in triplicate and presented to the Department of Customs, together with passport, residence permit and detailed inventory (in English) for attestation. Returning residents must have been out of South Africa for an unbroken absence of at least 6 months before they are automatically entitled to duty free importation of household goods purchased while out of South Africa. Temporary Residents will only be allowed duty-free importation if they are in possession of a valid temporary work permit.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Immigrants – Duty free importation.

Customs require shipper to present themselves with completed customs forms for attestation at their nearest customs office in South Africa.

Original passport showing entry stamp, valid residence permit or work permit
DA304
P1160
Packing inventory
Sea / air waybill or telex release
NB: SARS allows 6 months from date of arrival in South Africa, for a duty free import to be done. After 6 months has passed proof of storage / affidavit to be produced in support of reason for delay, for consideration by SARS.
All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

Returning Residents – Duty free importation

Shipper must have been out of South Africa for an unbroken period of at least six months.

Original passport reflecting original exit from South Africa and entry stamp into South Africa
DA304
P1160
Packing inventory
Sea/air waybill or telex release
Affidavit in respect of returning SA Citizen
All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

Temporary Residents –

Duty free importation – provided passport reflects a valid VISA or Permit (min 2 yrs).
Goods must have been owned and used by the shipper prior to shipping the consignment.

  • Original passport reflecting valid VISA or permit
  • DA304
  • P1160
  • Packing inventory
  • Sea/air waybill or telex release

All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

Diplomats

Duty free, subject to diplomatic clearance certificate A or B, signed by relevant Embassy in SA and countersigned by SA Department of Foreign Affairs in SA.

Sea/air waybill or telex release
Packing inventory
Copy of passport photo page

Foreign Diplomats:

Duty free importation allowed upon production of a detailed inventory and a diplomatic clearance certificate completed and signed by relevant Embassy/Consulate in South Africa and countersigned by the South African Department of Foreign Affairs.

Inheritance –

– Duty free, provided client is a permanent South African resident

Copy of death certificate
Copy of last will and testament
Letter from the Executor of the Estate to confirm the inheritance
P1160
Packing inventory
Sea/air waybill or telex release
Affidavit confirming consignment is for personal use and not for resale

All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

Art & Antiques

– Duty free, providing part of bona fide household, or if over 100 years old – certificate of Antiquity to be produced.
For antiques purchased abroad and not shipped as part of a bona fide household shipment, 14% Vat is payable on value of sales invoice. Refer above – certificate to be produced. If not in place, duty will apply as per commodity code.
** Only certificates issued by the following institutes are acceptable by SARS – SAADA or PAADA

All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

New Household & Personal Effects / Secondary home –

Duty and taxes applicable.

Copy of passport / South African ID document
Packing inventory
Original sales invoice reflecting itemised list and foreign currency prices (NEW GOODS)
A valued inventory, as per the packing list (USED GOODS – secondary home)
Sea/air waybill or telex release
All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

Personal/household effects sent to family in South Africa –

Duty payable, No import permit required

Packing inventory
Invoices to show value OR Valued inventory as per the packing list
P1160
Affidavit confirming the consignment is for personal use and not for resale.
All shipments are subject to Random customs stops.

Donations / missionary goods

– Possibly duty free, provided the proper ITAC rebate permit and VAT exemption certificate is in place.

Import permit
Packing inventory
Welfare certificate and number
**NB: NO DONATIONS OF CLOTHING / LINEN / FABRIC ALLOWED**
** Always stopped for Customs examinations.

Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles, Mopeds, trailers / Immigrants

(Left-hand drive vehicles manufactured after 2000 not allowed in South Africa.)
Duty free importation – 1 vehicle per family provided permanent residence granted.
** All vehicles stopped for Customs inspections (additional costs applicable)

Original passport reflecting valid residence permit.
DA304A
P1160
Sea waybill or telex release
LOA (Letter Of Authority) obtained from NRCS prior to shipping
Import Permit (ITAC) prior to shipping
Proof of value (3 different valuations)
Proof of ownership/copy of registration (in name of the importer) 12 months or more

Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles, Mopeds, Trailers / Temporary Residents/work permit

(Left-hand drive vehicles manufactured after 2000 not allowed in South Africa.)

Passport
Proof of value and ownership.
A cash Customs Bond (provisional payment), Refundable upon re-exportation of vehicle.

Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles, Mopeds, Trailers / Returning residents

(Left-hand drive vehicles manufactured after 2000 not allowed in South Africa.)
Dutiable unless shipper emigrated from SA and can show proof thereof OR if the client originally exported the vehicle from South Africa.
Shipper must have been out of South Africa for an unbroken period of at least one year as the vehicle must have been owned AND used for one year.
** All vehicles stopped for Customs inspections (additional costs applicable)

Original passport reflecting exit stamp from South Africa and entry stamp into South Africa
DA304A
P1160
Sea waybill or telex release
LOA (Letter Of Authority) obtained from NRCS prior to shipping
Import Permit (ITAC) prior to shipping
Proof of value (3 different valuations)
*Proof of ownership/copy of registration (in name of the importer) 12 months or more.
** Refer SARS information below.

Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles, Mopeds, Trailers / Diplomats

(Left-hand drive vehicles manufactured after 2000 not allowed in South Africa.)
Duty Free provided diplomatic protocol is met – local Embassy/diplomatic mission will obtain LOA and Certificate A/B plus DMV1

Original passport
LOA (Letter Of Authority) obtained from NRCS prior to shipping
Proof of value and ownership

Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles, Mopeds, Trailers / Inheritance

(Left-hand drive vehicles manufactured after 2000 not allowed in South Africa.)
Dutiable as this is exempted from duty free allowance.

Copy South African ID document photo page
P1160
Sea waybill or telex release
LOA (Letter Of Authority) obtained from NRCS prior to shipping
Import Permit (ITAC) prior to shipping
Proof of value (3 different valuations
As the permit and LOA are not guaranteed, please submit application prior to shipping, along with all documents pertaining to a deceased estate – for consideration.

Firearms and Ammunition –

PLEASE DO NOT SHIP

Liquor –

Subject to full duty (approximately 35-50% plus VAT at current rate). Import permit required. Detailed list of all foreign liquor must be provided – make, volume (size) % alcohol, ZAR value per bottle.

Foodstuffs, beverages, medicine

– Please do not ship

Pets, dogs and cats

– Please do not forward without first obtaining:

Import Permit
Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Health Certificate
Dogs and cats may be imported directly only from approved rabies-free countries or from countries where rabies is well controlled without quarantine

Person who have applied for Permanent Residence status in South Africa but have not yet received their Permit from S.A. Embassy or Home Affairs

.

The client can no longer lodge a deposit with Customs while waiting for their permanent residence permit. The permanent residence permit or work permit must be in place before the shipment arrives. If not ready prior to shipment arrival, the goods will have to go into Bond storage. Destination Cape Town: Deposits are still being accepted however please confirm prior to shipping.

All the above needs to be finalised prior to shipment docking in South Africa if client wishes to avoid paying overstay and demurrage charges on their container, or having the container unloaded into our Bonded Customs Store whilst waiting for the necessary documentation to be presented to Customs.

Regardless of client’s status cargo dues are payable on all inbound sea shipments – refer to our quote.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Immigrants:
One motor vehicle per family which has been owned and used for a least one year prior to shipment to South Africa may be imported free of duty. Once the rand value has been determined on the motor vehicle that amount is inflated by 10% and Value added Tax (currently 14%) is payable on the value of the vehicle. A special Import Permit in quadruplicate must be obtained either from the South African Embassy in country of origin or from the Department of Trade and Industry (Import and Export Control), Private Bag X192, Pretoria 0001. This must be submitted together with attested form DA304A. Registration documents and proof of value e.g. purchase invoice. Once imported the motor vehicle cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of for 2 years.

Returning Residents:
Full duties and taxes will be applicable unless the persons concerned can satisfy the South African Customs that when they originally left South Africa they had no intention of ever returning e.g. people leaving South Africa on temporary work contracts, extended holidays etc. are not allowed duty free importation of a motor vehicle. Thereafter the requirements and rules are the same as for an immigrant except that the Import Permit must be obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry (Import and Export Control), Private Bag X192, Pretoria, 0001.

Temporary Residents:

A provisional payment to cover full duties has to be lodged with South African Customs which is refundable when the vehicle leaves South Africa within one year of its importation. Should the vehicle not leave South Africa within one year, then full duties will have to be brought to account and paid to South African Customs, then the provisional payment will be refunded and an Import Permit will now become applicable. Proof of value e.g. purchase invoice and valid temporary residence permit must be produced. Import Permit not applicable if re-exported within one year.

Foreign Diplomats:

Diplomatic Certificate for motor vehicles completed and signed by local Embassy/Consulate and countersigned by the South African Department of Foreign Affairs together with proof of value must be produced. No duties or taxes applicable.

Importation of Motor Vehicles by individuals.

REBATE OF DUTIES

In terms of item 407.04 of Schedule Number 4 of the Customs and Excise Act –

An immigrant or a South African resident, who originally emigrated from the Republic, obtained permanent resident status abroad, and thereafter return, can, (after obtaining permanent residence in the Republic/return to the Republic permanently), import ONE MOTOR VEHICLE PER FAMILY under full rebate of customs duties for their own personal use, provided that the imported vehicle was the personal property of the importer, and was owned and used by them for a period of at least one year prior to the Importer’s departure to the Republic.

South African Residents: Please note that unless you comply with ALL THREE conditions below, you will not qualify for the rebate of duty.

1. You originally emigrated from the Republic.
2. You obtained permanent residents’ status abroad.
3. You again return to the Republic permanently.

Note:

1. If the vehicle was owned and used for a period of less than one year, prior to departure, the amount of duty rebated will be reduced pro-rata, according to the number of days less than 12 months.
2. If the vehicle is pre owned, an application for an import permit should be submitted, prior to shipping the vehicle to South Africa. The application for an import permit should be sent to:

The Director: Import and Export Control

Private Bag X192
PRETORIA, 0001
Telephone: (012) 428 7796
Facsimile: (012) 428 7799

3. All motor vehicles must comply with the standards as set by the South African Bureau of Standards and further information may be obtained from:

SABS – Electrical & Automotive Dept.
Private Bag X191
PRETORIA 0001
Telephone: (2712)428 6276 (Andre Stander)
Fax: (2712) 428 6233

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A vehicle shall not be deemed to be personally owned and used by an importer unless such importer was at all reasonable times personally present at the place where the vehicle was used. The period of use is deemed to be from the date on which physical delivery was taken of the vehicle/the date on which the vehicle was registered in the name of the importer (whichever is the later), until the date on which the vehicle was delivered by the importer to the shipper or other agent for the purpose of shipment or dispatch to the Republic.
Vehicles imported under the provisions of item 407.04 may not be offered, advertised, lent, hired, leased, pledged, given away, exchanged, sold or otherwise disposed of within a period of 20 months from the date of being cleared for Customs purposes in the RSA. Prior permission must be obtained should an importer wish to dispose of the vehicle within the 20 month period after the date of clearance.
For the purposes of item 407.04 during the initial period of 20 months after the date of clearance in the Republic, an importer shall, if he or she is absent for a continuous period of longer than 3 months from the place where the vehicle is usually used in the Republic, be deemed not to have imported the vehicle for his/her own or personal use, and the duty determined by the Commissioner for the S.A. Revenue Service shall be payable as from the date of such absence.

INHERITED GOODS

Providing the inheritor is in possession of a certified copy of the last will or testament wherein the specific items are bequeathed and an import permit, such goods may be imported duty free.

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

These may be imported duty free but an Import Permit has to be obtained from Import and Export Control, Pretoria, before importation. A form SAP311 must be completed and signed by the importer which South African Customs will retain and thereafter issue form SAP312 allowing the importer 60 days to officially licence the firearm with the South African Police. The firearms/ammunition have to be physically inspected by the South African Customs before they will issue form SAP312 and should therefore be packed in an identifiable package and placed in an easily accessible position in the container.

LIQUOR

This may be imported but is liable for full duties and taxes and besides an Import Permit from Pretoria a special Removal Certificate also has to be obtained before importation.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Orbit International Logistics LTD. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such it is advisable to contact the nearest South African customs office for full and current information prior to importation.

Moving to South Africa

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The Best Overseas Moving Companies

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The best tip – a recommendation from a friend.
Research the overseas moving companies you are considering. Check if they are licensed to export and import.
Make sure that you are performing an equal comparison between the quotes of the various companies. You compare international relocation rates from the overseas moving companies based on shipping an equal volume of goods and contracting the same exact shipping service on the same dates. Pay special attention to the “EXCLUDES” of each quote to insure that you are not overlooking any hidden fees.
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Make sure that the overseas shipping company you choose has reputable overseas forwarding agents who can assist you in the same manner that you are getting from the company moving you from Canada.
Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd was established by 2 long time family friends who had experienced moves with mixes results. However, none have satisfied the quality of service needed during such an emotional and straining event. We have extensive experience relocating customers worldwide by Ocean Freight and Air Cargo as we are an international shipper. Our rates are always All-inclusive. What sets us apart is the level of service we offer our customers. We provide free, no-obligation estimates, listen to your concerns, and find the solutions best suited to meeting your removal and relocation needs – whether you’re moving your family.(i.e. door-to-door, door to port, full containers, RO-RO, custom crates, etc.) We offer free consultations with one of our relocation specialist and assist you in planning moving to Norway and choosing the right overseas moving services.