Removals to South Africa: Customs Information

Removals to South Africa . International Removals to South Africa . Moving House Overseas

International removals to South Africa and other overseas destinations are more complicated than moving house within the UK due to the Customs & Excise regulations applied to importing your belongings.
Below is a guide to current South African Customs & Excise regulations. Please note that information is correct at time of publishing but may change at any time. Hamilton’s South African removals department will guide you through all relevant Customs & Excise regulations prior to your overseas move.

South African Customs Information

Duty free entry for used household and personal items is granted to all new residents. South African citizens who are returning need to have been out of the country for a continuous period of at least 6 months to gain duty free entry. In both cases you need to be in South Africa before the arrival of the consignment in order to clear your goods through customs and produce your original passport.

Customs checks maybe made on consignments, the cost of which will need to be paid to the local customs authorities. Cargo dues will also be payable.

Restrictions

• Skins, feathers, furs and tusks from endangered species are all prohibited
• Walkie-talkie radios

Prior Authorisation Required

• Wines, spirit and beer require an import permit from the Director of Imports and  Exports in Pretoria and this must be in place prior to shipping. Duty & tax will be payable and is based on the alcohol content.
• Firearms require a South African Police Firearm Registrar Certificate and import permit to be issued by the local police authority at destination. We would recommend that they are contacted prior to shipping
• First time residents can import vehicles duty free providing it has been used by you for at least one year before your arrival and is for your own personnal use.

We will require the following documentation to clear your goods through customs:

• Photocopy of passport, photo page
• Copy of permanent residence form or temporary residence permit and work Permit
• Inventory list (this will be completed by our removal crew)
• You will need to complete a South African Customs Form DA304 & P1.160 on arrival (both supplied at destination)

Documentation required for motor vehicles:

• Customs form DA 304/A
• Vehicle registration form (V5)
• Proof of ownership for 1 year previous to shipment
• Letter of Authority form South African Bureau of Standards, this must be issued prior to the vehicle being shipped

Useful Information

Removals to South Africa – Click here for a free detailed quote of your move, or contact us to discuss your requirements.