FAQs

 To import or export commercial goods into or out of South Africa, you must be registered with SARS Customs and issued a Customs Client Code.

Registration typically requires:

  • Company or individual registration details
  • Identity documents / company documents
  • Proof of address
  • Bank confirmation
  • In some cases, a customs bond or guarantee

Can we help?
Yes. We can assist you with either manually submitting the documents to SARS or if you have access to your SARS e-filing profile we can assist you online.

Documentation for foreign-flagged yachts must be prepared very carefully. Incorrect consignee details or wording on documents like the bill of lading or invoice can trigger unnecessary duties, VAT, or compliance issues.

Documents usually include:

  • Bill of lading/ Air waybill
  • Commercial invoice
  • Yacht registration papers
  • Supporting customs documents

Can we help?
Yes. We regularly assist with yacht-related documentation and ensure everything is consigned correctly from the start.

VAT refunds depend on:

Whether the transaction qualifies

  • The type of export (direct vs indirect)
  • Correct customs declarations
  • Proper supporting documents

Not all shipments qualify automatically, and SARS is strict on compliance.

Can we help?
Yes. We can assess whether your shipment qualifies and guide you through the correct VAT refund process.

Foreign-flagged yachts sailing into South Africa must be formally cleared into South Africa on arrival and out again on departure on DA1/DA3 documents

This typically involves:

  • Customs clearance
  • Immigration clearance
  • Port and marina procedures
  • Specific customs declarations

Failure to clear correctly can result in fines or problems on departure.

Can we help?
Yes. We handle yacht clearances regularly and can manage the process end-to-end.

We don’t handle household goods/ personal effects / donations. 

The cheapest & best would be to find a freight forwarder in your home country that specialises in household goods & has an agent in South Africa. There can be hidden complexities and costs if it’s not handled correctly & this will be by far the easiest & cheapest option for you. 

Some general advice which may help you:

  1. You will need to register with SARS as an importer if the goods are commercial or worth more than R150 000. If its less than that you can use your ID number to import them. You have a max of 3 shipments worth a total of R150 000 per year
  2. Second hand goods require import permits from ITAC.

An APN (Accredited Client Number) allows customs declarations to be submitted electronically to SARS. Without an APN, import and export clearances cannot be processed.

Registration involves:

  • SARS application forms
  • Linking the APN to your customs code
  • Correctly assigning clearing agent access

Mistakes here often result in rejected entries or delays at the time of clearance.

Can we help?
Yes. We can register your APN and link it correctly to your customs profile and clearing agent.

The difference comes down to who is responsible for removing the goods from South Africa.

  • Direct export:
    The South African supplier delivers the goods out of the country. This is usually zero-rated for VAT if done correctly.
  • Indirect export:
    The foreign buyer removes the goods themselves. VAT is normally charged upfront and reclaimed later, subject to strict rules.

If structured incorrectly, VAT can become a permanent cost.

Can we help?
Yes. We advise on the correct export structure before shipment to avoid VAT exposure.