Importing goods into South Africa involves navigating customs regulations, tariff classifications, duty payments, and compliance requirements. V & S Freight handles every aspect of the import process, from the moment your cargo arrives at Durban Port or King Shaka Airport to final delivery at your premises.
Complete Import Service
Pre-Arrival Preparation
Before your goods reach South Africa, we:
- Review commercial invoices and packing lists for accuracy
- Determine correct HS codes for tariff classification
- Calculate estimated customs duty and VAT
- Identify any import permit requirements
- Check for prohibited or restricted goods
- Prepare customs entries for lodgement the moment cargo arrives
Customs Clearance
Our clearing and forwarding team lodges your customs entry via EDI the moment your cargo is discharged. We handle:
- SARS customs declarations (SAD 500/DA 500)
- Duty and VAT payments
- CBCU inspection management if flagged
- Release coordination with port/airport officials
Freight Coordination
We arrange the most suitable freight mode for your import:
- Sea freight — FCL, LCL, or breakbulk
- Air freight — Express and standard air cargo
- Road freight — For land-border imports from neighbouring countries
Delivery
Once cleared, we deliver your goods door-to-door via our road freight network or arrange collection at port. Need temporary storage? We offer warehousing and bonded storage.
Popular Import Routes
| Origin | Key Products | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| China | Electronics, textiles, machinery, consumer goods | Import from China → |
| India | Spices, textiles, auto parts, pharmaceuticals | Import from India → |
| USA | Machinery, vehicles, medical equipment | Import from USA → |
| UK | Vehicles, machinery, personal effects | Import from UK → |
| Germany | Vehicles, machinery, chemicals | Import from Germany → |
| UAE/Dubai | Re-exports, electronics, building materials | Import from Dubai → |
Import Costs Breakdown
Your total import cost includes:
- Freight charge — Cost of sea, air, or road transport
- Customs duty — Ranges from 0% to 45% depending on product HS code. Duty guide →
- Import VAT — 15% on the customs value plus duty. VAT guide →
- Port charges — Terminal handling, wharfage, cargo dues
- Clearing agent fee — Our service fee for customs processing
- Delivery — Port-to-door transport if required
- Insurance — Optional but recommended
Get an accurate import quote →
First-Time Importers
New to importing? Here's what you need:
- Register with SARS as an importer — How to register →
- Obtain a customs code from SARS
- Identify your product's HS code for tariff classification
- Check if an import permit is needed
- Find a supplier and agree on Incoterms
- Engage V & S Freight to handle freight and customs
Read our complete import guide →
Industries We Import For
- Retail — Consumer goods from Asia and Europe
- Automotive — Vehicles and spare parts
- Electronics — Devices, components, accessories
- Textiles — Fabrics, garments, accessories
- Pharmaceuticals — medicines and medical equipment
- Construction — Building materials and equipment
Get Your Imports Cleared
Request a Quote → | Call: 076 982 0036