🇿🇦 South Africa
AFRICA
South African Revenue Service (SARS) — Customs and Excise
15%
Duty-Free Allowances
| Category | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 2L |
| Cigarettes | 200 |
| Personal goods value | US$1200 |
| Duty-free allowances for returning South African residents and visitors: 2L wine + 1L spirits + 2L other fermented beverages; 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250g tobacco; 50ml perfume + 250ml eau de toilette; goods to the value of ZAR 25,000 (~$1,200–$1,400 USD depending on exchange rate). New goods in the suitcase above this attract 20% flat rate duty + VAT. Children under 18 may not bring alcohol or tobacco. | |
Duty-free allowances for returning South African residents and visitors: 2L wine + 1L spirits + 2L other fermented beverages; 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250g tobacco; 50ml perfume + 250ml eau de toilette; goods to the value of ZAR 25,000 (~$1,200–$1,400 USD depending on exchange rate). New goods in the suitcase above this attract 20% flat rate duty + VAT. Children under 18 may not bring alcohol or tobacco.
Cash Declaration Threshold
US$5,500
Local currency equivalent: ZAR
Travelers carrying cash, traveler's cheques, or negotiable instruments above this threshold must declare them at customs on arrival.
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.