Importing Into 🇿🇦 South Africa
De Minimis Threshold
US$27
ZAR 500
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
South Africa's de minimis threshold for customs duty and VAT relief is ZAR 500 (approximately USD $27 at current rates). Goods valued below ZAR 500 can be imported duty- and VAT-free. Commercial imports above ZAR 500 are subject to customs duty and VAT (15%). SARS has been working to tighten low-value import rules for e-commerce.
As of: 2022-09-01
VAT / GST on Imports
15%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Entry (DA 306 for road; various forms for air and sea — submitted via SARS eFiling) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 05 | Certificate of Origin (for EU-SADC EPA or other FTA preference) |
| 06 | Import Permit (for controlled goods — ITAC permits for textiles, vehicles, etc.) |
| 07 | SAHPRA import licence (for medicines and medical devices) |
| 08 | DAFF phytosanitary or veterinary permit (for agricultural goods) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms and ammunition (SAPS (South African Police Service) permit required under Firearms Control Act)
- ⚠Medicines and pharmaceuticals (SAHPRA registration and import licence required)
- ⚠Food and agricultural products (DAFF permits and inspection)
- ⚠Plants and plant products (phytosanitary certificate required)
- ⚠Animals and animal products (veterinary import permit required)
- ⚠Endangered species (CITES permit required)
- ⚠Diamonds and precious metals (Kimberley Process certification for diamonds)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics and controlled substances
- ✗Pornographic material (certain publications banned under Films and Publications Act)
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Endangered species products without CITES permits
- ✗Uncut diamonds without Kimberley Process certification
- ✗Certain weapons and explosives without permits
Special Notes
- 01South Africa is part of SACU (Southern African Customs Union) with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini — goods move freely within SACU.
- 02VAT is 15% (standard rate).
- 03South Africa has an FTA with the EU (EU-SADC EPA), preferential access to AGOA for US market, and various regional agreements.
- 04The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is critical for diamond imports/exports.
- 05SARS uses the SARS eFiling system and SARS Customs portal for declarations.
- 06Ad valorem duties apply to luxury goods like motor vehicles, cosmetics.
- 07Significant load shedding (power outages) and port congestion can affect logistics.
- 08South African Rand is volatile — USD equivalent of thresholds changes frequently.
Documented Import Rules
Used Clothing (Commercial)
🇿🇦 South Africa
Import permit required, fumigation mandatory
Vape / E-Cigarette
🇿🇦 South Africa
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into South Africa.
Alcohol / Spirits
🇿🇦 South Africa
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into South Africa.
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇿🇦 South Africa
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into South Africa.
CBD Oil
🇿🇦 South Africa
CBD Oil is generally prohibited for personal import into South Africa.
Cannabis Seeds
🇿🇦 South Africa
Cannabis Seeds is generally prohibited for personal import into South Africa.
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade)
🇿🇦 South Africa
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into South Africa.
Codeine (Medication)
🇿🇦 South Africa
Codeine (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into South Africa.
Adderall (Medication)
🇿🇦 South Africa
Adderall (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into South Africa.
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