Items Prohibited by Post to 🇿🇦 South Africa
South African Post Office (SAPO) and SARS assess international parcels. VAT (15%) and customs duty apply to goods above ZAR 500. High-value items and commercial shipments require full customs entry. SAPO has had operational challenges — DHL and courier services are often preferred.
Prohibited Items
The following items cannot be sent by post to South Africa.
Vape E Cigarette
Vape / E-Cigarette is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Alcohol Spirits
Alcohol / Spirits is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Tobacco Cigarettes
Tobacco Cigarettes is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Cbd Oil
CBD Oil is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Cannabis Seeds
Cannabis Seeds is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Coins Collectible
Collectible coins (numismatic) is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Firearms
Firearms is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Pepper Spray
Pepper Spray is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Pocket Knife
Pocket Knife is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Ammunition Sporting
Sporting ammunition is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Counterfeit Goods Warning
Counterfeit Goods is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Ivory Cites
Ivory & CITES-Listed Items is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Antiquities
Antiquities is generally prohibited from postal import into South Africa.
Restricted Items
Hemp Seeds Sterilised
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Codeine Medication
Codeine (Medication) requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Adderall Medication
Adderall (Medication) requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Tramadol Medication
Tramadol (Medication) requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Gold Jewellery
Gold Jewellery requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Meat Products
Meat Products requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Dairy Products
Dairy Products requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh Fruit requires declaration / permit when posted to South Africa.
Carrier-Level Restrictions
These carriers have additional prohibited items specific to South Africa.
DPD (Deutscher Paket Dienst)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
GLS (General Logistics Systems)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
La Poste / Colissimo
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
China Post (EMS)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
Japan Post (Yu-Pack)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
Korea Post (EMS Korea)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
India Post (Speed Post)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
Australia Post
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
Canada Post
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
Asendia
Full carrier profile →- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
Evri (formerly Hermes UK)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
- ✗Counterfeit branded goods (EU Reg 608/2013)
- ✗Asbestos-containing products
- ✗CITES Appendix I species + products
Pos Malaysia (Pos Laju)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)
SingPost (Singapore Post)
Full carrier profile →- ✗Alcohol (postal regulations)