Pharmaceutical and medical products demand the highest standards of freight handling — temperature control, compliance, traceability, and speed. V & S Freight provides specialised customs clearing and freight services for the healthcare sector.
Pharmaceutical Services
Import Services
- Medicines and APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
- Medical devices and diagnostic equipment
- Vaccines and biologicals — cold chain management
- Hospital and clinic supplies
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Temperature-Controlled Freight
- Reefer containers via sea freight (2-8°C, 15-25°C zones)
- Temperature-monitored air freight for time-critical medicines
- GDP (Good Distribution Practice) compliant handling
- Cold chain verification and temperature logging
Regulatory Compliance
South African pharmaceutical imports require compliance with:
- SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) registration
- Schedule classification for controlled substances
- Import permits for scheduled medicines
- Batch documentation and certificates of analysis
- Expiry date requirements — minimum remaining shelf life
Our clearing team coordinates all regulatory documentation and ensures SARS compliance alongside SAHPRA requirements.
Why Speed Matters
Pharmaceutical supply chains are time-critical:
- Patients depend on consistent medicine availability
- Vaccines have limited shelf life
- Hospital equipment failures require urgent replacement parts
- Stock-outs of essential medicines are a public health risk
V & S Freight prioritises pharmaceutical clearance, using air freight through King Shaka Airport for urgent deliveries and fast EDI submissions for port cargo.
Key Source Countries
| Country | Products |
|---|---|
| India | Generic medicines, APIs, medical devices |
| Germany | Branded pharmaceuticals, medical equipment |
| USA | Specialty drugs, medical technology |
| China | APIs, medical supplies, PPE |
| UK | Branded medicines, diagnostic equipment |
Pharmaceutical Freight FAQ
Do pharmaceutical imports attract customs duty?
Many pharmaceutical products have reduced or zero customs duty rates under SA tariff headings. VAT still applies at 15%.
Can you handle controlled substances?
Yes, with proper SAHPRA permits and schedule documentation. Our clearing team ensures full regulatory compliance.
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