Amazon Shipping to South Africa: How to Buy and Import From Any Amazon Store
Amazon is the world’s largest online marketplace, but most sellers don’t ship to South Africa. The ones that do often exclude bulky, high-value, or restricted-category items. Scott’s Shipping Services (SSS) removes that barrier entirely. You find the product on any Amazon store worldwide, and we handle everything else: purchase, courier shipping, customs clearance, duties, VAT, insurance, and delivery to your door, all quoted as one upfront price.
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Why use SSS for Amazon imports to South Africa
Amazon’s own international shipping programme has gaps. Many sellers simply block South Africa as a destination. Others ship via postal services that leave you waiting weeks, chasing parcels through the post office, and then getting hit with a surprise customs bill on collection.
SSS works differently. We act as your importing partner. You send us the Amazon product link, and we buy it, ship it by courier, clear it through SARS, and deliver to your address. The price you see in your quote is the price you pay. No separate customs invoice. No courier surcharge at the door.
- Courier-only shipping. Tracked, door-to-door delivery on every order. No post office queues.
- All costs upfront. Purchase price, international courier, duties, VAT, clearance fees, and insurance, all in one quote.
- Any Amazon seller. It doesn’t matter whether the seller ships to South Africa or not. If it’s on Amazon and not on our No-Fly List, we can get it here.
- No Importer’s Code needed for standard personal imports within SARS thresholds. We handle the customs compliance.
- Local support. You deal with a South African business, not an overseas call centre.
Note: Scott’s Shipping Services is not affiliated with Amazon. We are an independent South African import logistics company that purchases and ships on your behalf.
Which Amazon stores can you ship from?
All of them. SSS is not limited to amazon.com. We import from every Amazon regional store, including:
- amazon.com (United States)
- amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom)
- amazon.de (Germany)
- amazon.ae (United Arab Emirates)
- amazon.fr (France)
- amazon.ca (Canada)
- amazon.com.au (Australia)
- amazon.co.jp (Japan)
If a product is listed on any Amazon global store and is not on our prohibited items list, we can import it into South Africa for you. Some stores carry items the others don’t, so it’s worth checking multiple regions if you can’t find what you need on amazon.com.
How does ordering from Amazon through SSS work?
Four steps. You handle the first; we handle the rest.
- Find your item on Amazon.
Browse any Amazon store and copy the product URL. - Get your price from SSS.
Use the Quick Estimate calculator for a fast ballpark, or submit a full quote request for a confirmed all-inclusive total. Both are free with no obligation. - Approve and pay.
Happy with the number? Complete payment. No hidden fees, no “customs invoice” arriving weeks later. - We do the rest.
We purchase the item, ship by courier, clear it through South African customs, and deliver to your door.
See How It Works for more detail on the full process.
What’s included in your quote
Every SSS quote for an Amazon import is all-inclusive. There are no add-ons, no surprises, and no separate bills from the courier at delivery. Your single payment covers:
Product purchase
We buy the item directly from the Amazon seller on your behalf. If you’re ordering multiple items, we consolidate where possible to reduce shipping costs.
International courier shipping
All shipments travel by tracked courier networks. No postal routes, no untracked parcels, no “item not found” at the post office counter.
Customs duties and VAT
South African import duties and 15% VAT are calculated upfront using current SARS tariff schedules. They’re built into your quote. Read more about how duties and taxes work.
Customs clearance fees
We handle the full SARS clearance process. No paperwork on your side.
Insurance
Transit insurance protects your order against loss or damage while in transit.
SSS vs Amazon Global Shipping: what’s the difference?
Amazon’s own Global Shipping Programme exists, but it has real limitations for South African buyers. Here’s a fair comparison:
| Feature | SSS | Amazon Global Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Ships from all Amazon stores | Yes, any regional store | Limited to participating sellers |
| Ships items that block SA | Yes | No |
| Customs and VAT in quote | All duties and VAT included upfront | Import deposit estimate on eligible items; adjustments may follow |
| Insurance | Included on every shipment | A-to-Z Guarantee covers some claims |
| Delivery method | Courier, door-to-door | Varies by seller (courier or postal) |
| Local support | South African business, direct contact | Amazon global support channels |
| Importer’s Code | Not required for personal imports | Not required |
Amazon Global Shipping works well when the seller participates and the item qualifies. For everything else, SSS fills the gap.
Bulk orders and business imports
SSS handles more than one-off personal purchases. We regularly import:
- Multiple Amazon purchases consolidated into a single shipment to reduce per-item shipping costs.
- Bulk item orders for resellers, small businesses, or organisations sourcing stock or equipment.
- Business imports including tools, electronics, industrial components, and speciality products not available locally.
For commercial-volume imports you may need an Importer’s Code. We’ll advise you on whether it’s required and help with the process if so. Read more about importing goods for your business in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Can Amazon ship to South Africa?
Some Amazon sellers ship directly to South Africa, but many block it as a destination. Even where international shipping is available, it may be postal rather than courier, and customs costs are not always transparent. SSS allows South Africans to buy from any Amazon global store with full courier delivery and all customs costs included upfront.
How much does it cost to ship from Amazon to South Africa?
The total cost depends on the product price, weight, dimensions, and the origin country. Use the Quick Estimate calculator for a fast ballpark, or submit a full quote request for a confirmed all-inclusive price. Either way, the number you see is the number you pay.
How long does Amazon shipping to South Africa take?
Typical delivery with SSS is 10 to 15 working days from purchase, depending on the seller’s dispatch speed, origin country, and courier capacity at the time. Amazon USA orders tend to be on the faster end; Japan and some EU stores may take slightly longer.
Are customs and VAT included in the price?
Yes. Every SSS quote includes South African import duties, 15% VAT, courier fees, clearance fees, and insurance. There are no surprise customs or courier bills on delivery.
Which Amazon countries can you ship from?
SSS imports from Amazon USA, UK, Germany, UAE, France, Canada, Australia, Japan, and any other Amazon regional store. If the product is listed on Amazon and is not on our No-Fly List, we can get it to South Africa.
Do I need an Importer’s Code?
Not for typical personal imports within SARS standard thresholds. For commercial volumes or restricted product categories, we’ll advise you on the requirements before you commit. Read more about the Importer’s Code.
Can I track my Amazon shipment?
Yes. Every order ships by tracked courier. You receive tracking updates from dispatch through to delivery at your door.
What if my item arrives damaged?
All SSS shipments include transit insurance. If an item arrives damaged, we handle the claim process on your behalf.
Ready to import from Amazon?
Send us the Amazon link. We’ll give you a single, all-inclusive price covering everything from purchase to your front door. No customs paperwork, no surprise invoices, no post office runs.
Get your quick estimate today using our online calculator, or contact us for expert advice on your shipment.
