How It Works

Worldwide shopping to your door in South Africa, how do we do it? Although there’s a necessarily brief outline on our homepage of how our importing works below is an in depth explanation of the entire process and rough timelines.

This is for our standard import service which handles items up to 32kg and max package size of 1m, anything larger is a freight import and follows a different procedure, contact us here for further details.

The Link

First and foremost, we need a link to the product, this is essential. We need to know exactly what to order.

On some products that are familiar we may look at different sellers but most of the time the item is ordered directly from your link. We cannot quote off descriptions or screenshots, it creates too much uncertainty.

Quotation

If we can handle the order you’ll then get a quote within an hour that includes all fees payable, if the items are restricted we’ll let you know at this point.

From there it’s up to you to decide whether to order. If you would like to skip this, you can use the quick estimate to generate your own quote and from there send it through if it’s in your ballpark.

Payment

Once we receive your details an invoice will be issued with payment instructions, EFT is preferred (fees are lower) but you can also use any major credit card via our secure payment gateway.

Ordering

Once the payment clears, this is immediate for a credit card or up to 48hrs on an EFT, we will place the order at the seller you selected.

We don’t place an order until the funds are in our account under any circumstances to reduce the possibility of fraud.

Dispatch and Depot Delivery

Unfortunately, this is often where the delays start creeping in as we don’t have influence over the efficiency of chosen retailers. Large US based sellers like amazon and B&H generally dispatch within 48 hours, but individual retailers on eBay and especially AliExpress can take a long time to get the package out.

Delivery times to our depots are wildly variable as well, western stores are generally within a week or so but the eastern sellers (GearBest, FastTech, Banggood etc) can takes 2-3 weeks easily.

Depot

Once the item arrives at the depot it is assigned to our system, it is then bundled into a “bag”, once this is full it will be manifested on a flight to South Africa, this can take a couple of days but is generally quite quick.

Transit to South Africa and Customs

The parcel is then sent through to SA, this can take up to a week if it’s routed through other countries, but we don’t experience many delays here.

While the package is in transit customs clearance is processed, this is one of the biggest advantages to using our service as customs delays can be extensive using other methods.

Arrival in SA

Package will then arrive in SA, and if customs doesn’t pull it for inspection (it’s rare but does happen) it will be sent through to us the next day in Pretoria.

To Your Door

From there we same day dispatch with “The Courier Guy”, this service is available to customers for local shipping, and it will be sent through to you. Usually overnight but if it’s outlying or a large item it may take a bit longer.

And there you have it, all the steps your parcel takes on the way to you. Our estimate is 10-21 days due to all the potential delays but between you and me we’re averaging around 14 days currently, shhhh…

2024-08-152025-04-02

No Fly List

We make exclusive use of express couriers for all our parcels, and while this results in a safe, fast and cheap service it does restrict certain items from being shipped. Below is a list of the most commonly asked for items that are prohibited from passenger aircraft.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list, other items may be restricted that are not mentioned.

Size Restrictions

Standard courier size limits apply, the maximum package dimension is 1m and weight is 30kg.

EXCEPTION: items larger than this will be moved via freight lines, so feel free to contact for a quote.

LAG’s

You know the annoying man at airport security that throws away the aftershave you just bought? Unfortunately, we have one of them too… Any item that can “spill” is prohibited, this includes liquids, aerosols, gels and powders.

EXCEPTION: LAG’s can also be moved via bulk freight shipping.

LiPo Batteries

Thank a well-known cell phone manufacturer for this one… Due to the risk of fire loose Lithium batteries and power banks cannot be shipped, if the batteries are installed in a device we can move it no problem (does NOT apply to exports).

Weapons

Weapons or any item associated with weapons cannot be shipped. This includes items used for self-defence (tasers, pepper spray etc) and “toy” weapons (air soft, paintball, replica swords etc). This restriction also applies to knives.

Vehicles

Road vehicles and certain parts are restricted. Most car spares/parts are fine to import but this excludes chassis, engine blocks, or tyres.

Foodstuffs, Medicines, Supplements

Items meant for human or animal consumption requires additional clearance from Port Health and cannot be imported.

Biologicals

If it is or was alive we can’t move it unfortunately.

The Fun Stuff

We’d be rubbish party planners to be honest, alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and parts, hookah and narcotics are restricted.

That’s a list of the most common items, there’s a lot more like radioactive substances and explosives but luckily we don’t get requests for those, too often… If you’re unsure about anything don’t hesitate to contact us however, we’ll let you know upfront if the item will present an issue.

Happy Shipping!

2023-04-012025-04-02

Customs Duties/VAT

How to Calculate Customs Duties and VAT on Imports into South Africa

Planning to import goods into South Africa? Before you order, it’s essential to understand the customs duties and VAT that could significantly affect your final costs. These charges are regulated by SARS (South African Revenue Service) and apply to all imports.

Whether you’re importing for personal use or as a business, this guide breaks down the key concepts — clearly and simply — to help you stay compliant and in control.

What Are Customs Duties and VAT?

When goods arrive in South Africa, SARS charges customs duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) to raise revenue.

Customs duties are taxes on imported goods, calculated based on their classification in the Customs Tariff Book, using international HS (Harmonized System) codes.
There are two types:
- Ordinary duties (Schedule 1)
- Ad valorem duties (Schedule 2b), often referred to as “luxury duties”
VAT is currently set at 15% in South Africa.

How to Calculate Duties and VAT: Step-by-Step

📖 Step 1: Determine the Customs Value

This is the FOB (Free on Board) value — usually the invoice amount plus delivery to the export depot, airport, or harbour. It is converted from forex based on exchange rates on the day of import.

Let’s assume SARS determines the customs value as R1,000 for the below example.

🔎 Step 2: Identify the Correct HS Code

Use SARS’s classification list (yes, it’s nearly 700 pages long!) to find your product’s HS code. Some codes are super specific:

Example 1:
HS Code: 6101.90.6
Description: Men’s or boys’ overcoats, car-coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks…

Others are much broader:

Example 2:
HS Code: 8528.59.90.5
Description: Monitors (general category — includes most, but not all, computer monitors).

Then, determine your product’s region of origin (General, EU/UK, EFTA, SADC, MERCOSUR, AfCFTA), as this can affect the duty rate.

Example 1 duty range: 0–40%
Example 2 duty range: 0–25%

Check if any ad valorem duties apply via Schedule 2b. These typically range between 0–9%.

💡 Pro Tip: Choosing the wrong HS code can result in penalties. Classification accuracy is key to avoiding delays and extra costs.

🔢 Step 3: Calculate Customs Duties

Using the “General” region rates:

Example 1: 40% Ordinary / 0% Ad Valorem
Example 2: 25% Ordinary / 9% Ad Valorem

Therefore:

Example 1 Duties: R400 (Ordinary) / R0 (Ad Valorem)
Example 2 Duties: R250 (Ordinary) / R90 (Ad Valorem)

🔢 Step 4: Calculate VAT

VAT is 15% of:

The customs value plus a 10% uplift
Plus ordinary duties
Plus ad valorem duties

Example 1: 15% of (R1,100 + R400 + R0) = R225
Example 2: 15% of (R1,100 + R250 + R90) = R216

💸 Step 5: Total Import Charges

In our examples:

Example	Ordinary Duty	Ad Valorem Duty	VAT	Total SARS Charges
1	R400	R0	R225	R625 (63%)
2	R250	R90	R216	R556 (57%)

However if your product qualifies for duty-free import:

0% Ordinary + 0% Ad Valorem = VAT only
VAT = 15% of R1,100 = R165 (16.5%)

Keep in mind, these are SARS charges only. Your courier or freight forwarder may also charge clearance fees, disbursement fees, and shipping costs.

Overwhelmed? We’ve Got You Covered

We get it — importing can feel like a maze. That’s why Scott Shipping Services is here to simplify the entire process.

✅ We give you a single, all-inclusive cost before purchase — covering SARS duties, VAT, and shipping fees.
📊 Use our Quick Estimate Calculator for an instant online quote
📨 Submit a custom quote request
📞 Or contact our team for advice on your next shipment

Shop Global! Ship Local!.

2022-09-172025-06-11

Importers Code

Customs and Excise Importers/Exporters Code

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about SARS enforcing rules on personal and small business imports regarding the requirement for an importer or exporter code issued by SARS which we would like to clarify.

Customers do NOT require a code when importing goods into South Africa through us, we’ll explain in more detail below.

DISCLAIMER

This will not be a guide for getting an importers code and we cannot assist with this in any way, all requests for info on registration will be ignored. Contact your nearest customs office for further information.

Scott’s Shipping Services takes no liability for the accuracy of the supplied information nor any liability for how it may be used.

The Importers Code Rule

(iii) Registration code number 70707070 may be used only if the importer or exporter –

(aa) (A) imports or exports goods of which the value required to be declared for each consignment is less than R150 000, subject to the limitations of three such consignments during any calendar year;

(B) declares those goods for home consumption (codes A11 and A12), temporary export (code A13) or export (codes H60 and H61);

(bb) is a natural person located in the Republic; and

(cc) reflects his or her identity number or taxpayer reference number in the field provided in the declaration form.

As per Government Gazette No. 36433 of 2013-05-10

The Explanation

As per the above rule (summarised) an individual may import into South Africa without registering as an importer or obtaining an importers code providing:

1) They do not bring in more than 3 shipments per year (Jan-Dec).

2) Each shipment has a value below R150 000.

3) The items are for personal use and not for resale.

If any of the above conditions are not met, then an importers code will be required.

Why we’re different

As stated above customers do NOT require an importers code when buying through us.

Without getting too technical we become the “Importer of Record” for orders as all invoicing and purchasing is handled by the company.

The transaction and invoicing of our service is treated entirely as a local purchase from the customers side. No importers code required no matter the number of purchases or their value!

One less thing to worry about, we’ll handle it all for you, importing made easy!

Simply supply us with the links to the product in question and we can Quote for you. Alternatively generate your own costing with our handy Quick Estimate and as always, happy shopping!