Importing products to South Africa is legal and achievable for a small online business, but you need to follow a set order. Register with SARS as an importer, check whether your product needs a permit or compliance certificate, agree shipping terms with your supplier, appoint a clearing agent and work out your full landed cost before you pay a deposit. Customs duty depends on the product's tariff code and import VAT is charged at 15% on a value that includes a 10% uplift.

Most beginners underestimate the extra costs and paperwork, not the product price. This guide walks you through the whole process in plain language, from finding a supplier overseas to receiving stock you can sell on your own store, Takealot or Amazon.co.za.

In this guide

• Should you import or buy locally?
• Do you need to register with SARS to import?
• Products you cannot import or that need a permit
• Product compliance: NRCS, ICASA and labelling
• Finding and vetting international suppliers
• Paying overseas suppliers safely
• Incoterms explained for beginners
• Air freight, sea freight and courier compared
• Customs duty and import VAT
• How to calculate your landed cost
• Working with a clearing agent
• The import process step by step
• Low-value parcels and small test orders
• Common importing mistakes
• Frequently asked questions

Should you import or buy from local suppliers?

Import when the margin after all landing costs is clearly better than buying locally and you can afford to hold stock for several weeks. Buy locally when you are still testing demand, need small quantities or want fast restocking.

Importing usually gives you a lower unit cost, a wider choice of products and the chance to build your own brand through private labelling. The trade-offs are higher minimum order quantities, cash tied up in transit, currency risk and more admin.

A sensible path for many beginners is to test a product with local stock first, then import once sales prove demand. Our guide on how to find wholesale suppliers in South Africa covers the local route. If you have not yet chosen a product, start with our complete guide to finding products to sell online in South Africa.

Do you need to register with SARS to import?

Yes. If you import goods to resell, you need to register with SARS Customs as an importer and receive a customs client code. SARS states that any person who imports goods into South Africa must register as an importer.

The 70707070 code is for private individuals only

Many small sellers used to bring in stock under 70707070, the general code meant for once-off private imports. SARS has tightened this. From 20 November 2025, declarations under 70707070 are rejected once a person's imports exceed a cumulative R150,000 in a calendar year, according to the SARS communiqué on the 70707070 customs code. Above that limit you must register as a trader. If you are importing stock for a business, register from the start rather than waiting to hit the cap.

How to register as an importer

Registration is free and is done through SARS eFiling using the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system. The steps, as listed on the SARS importer registration page, are:

1. Log in to or register on SARS eFiling.
2. Link your business profile to your individual profile.
3. Assign RLA user rights.
4. Capture and submit the customs client application.
5. Track the outcome in your eFiling inbox.

Have these documents ready: a certified copy of your ID, proof of address, company registration documents if you trade through a company, SARS tax registration letters, proof of bank details and a recent phone account. You can also register in person at a SARS Customs branch.

If you use a licensed clearing agent, you do not need to register for electronic data interchange (EDI) yourself. The agent submits declarations on your behalf.

Do you need a company or VAT registration?

You can register as an importer as a sole proprietor, but most sellers who import regularly trade through a private company for liability and banking reasons. VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds the SARS threshold. If you are VAT registered, you can usually claim back the import VAT you pay, which makes a real difference to cash flow.

Products you cannot import or that need a permit

Most consumer goods can be imported freely, but some are prohibited and others need an import permit before they arrive. Check this before you place an order, not when the goods are already at the port.

Goods that need an ITAC import permit

The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) controls imports of certain goods. According to ITAC's import control page, a permit is required for all used or second-hand goods, and about 276 of roughly 6,650 tariff lines are under import control. Controlled items include new pneumatic tyres, certain chemicals, fossil fuels and gambling devices. ITAC says permit applications take about three to five working days on average.

For beginners, the most common trap is second-hand goods. Importing used clothing, used electronics or refurbished items to resell needs a permit.

Prohibited and restricted goods

SARS publishes a list of prohibited and restricted imports. Counterfeit goods are illegal and are seized, even in small quantities. Products such as medicines, cosmetics with certain ingredients, food, plants and animal products need approval from other government departments. Our post on what products you can't sell online in South Africa explains the categories most relevant to online sellers. You can read more about permits in our older post on how to apply for a South African import licence.

Product compliance: NRCS, ICASA and labelling

Some products can be imported legally but cannot be sold until they meet South African safety or technical standards. Electrical goods are the category where beginners get caught most often.

NRCS Letters of Authority for electrical goods

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) requires a Letter of Authority (LoA) for many electrical and electronic products, including appliances, power tools, plugs, cables and certain lamps. Testing firm TÜV Rheinland notes that the LoA must be obtained before the product is imported and sold. It requires testing by an accredited laboratory, so budget for both time and cost.

Before you order an electrical product, ask the supplier for test reports to the relevant South African standard (SANS) or the equivalent international standard. Then check with the NRCS or a compliance consultant whether an LoA is required for that specific item.

ICASA approval for wireless devices

Products that transmit radio signals, such as Bluetooth speakers, wireless earphones and Wi-Fi devices, generally need type approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) before they can be sold. Many well-known brands already hold approval. Unbranded products from marketplaces often do not.

Labelling and marketplace rules

Textiles and clothing need labels showing fibre content, care instructions and country of origin. Marketplaces add their own rules. Takealot and Amazon.co.za can ask for compliance documents for regulated categories, so keep your certificates on file. If you plan to sell imported stock on Takealot, our complete guide to selling on Takealot explains how stock reaches their warehouses.

Finding and vetting international suppliers

Most South African importers source from China, with India, Turkey, Vietnam and the United States also common. Online B2B platforms make it easy to contact factories, but you still need to check that a supplier is genuine before paying.

Where to find suppliers

• Alibaba.com: the largest B2B marketplace, with factories and trading companies across most categories.
• Made-in-China.com and Global Sources: alternatives with verified supplier programmes.
• 1688.com: a Chinese domestic platform with lower prices, usually accessed through a sourcing agent.
• Trade fairs: the Canton Fair in China and local trade shows let you meet suppliers in person.
• Sourcing agents: useful for negotiating, quality checks and combining orders from several factories.

How to vet a supplier

1. Check how many years the business has traded and whether it is a manufacturer or a trading company.
2. Ask for a business licence and, for regulated products, test certificates.
3. Order samples before placing a bulk order, and test them as a customer would.
4. Agree specifications in writing: materials, sizes, colours, packaging and labelling.
5. Arrange a pre-shipment inspection for larger orders. Third-party inspection firms check goods at the factory before you pay the balance.

Our detailed post on how to source products securely from Alibaba.com and import them into South Africa covers supplier checks step by step.

Paying overseas suppliers safely

Pay using a method that gives you some protection if the goods are wrong or never arrive. Never pay the full amount upfront to a new supplier through an untraceable method.

A common structure is a 30% deposit to start production and 70% after inspection, before shipping. Payments abroad through a South African bank go through an authorised foreign exchange dealer, so keep your supplier invoice ready to support the transfer.

Managing exchange rate risk

Suppliers usually quote in US dollars or Chinese yuan. A weaker rand between quote and payment cuts your margin. Build a buffer into your pricing and pay the balance promptly once goods pass inspection, rather than leaving it open for weeks.

Incoterms explained for beginners

Incoterms are standard trade terms that say who pays for shipping, insurance and customs at each stage. Getting them wrong is one of the main reasons beginners face surprise bills when goods arrive.

For a first import, FOB with your own freight forwarder gives you the most control over costs. DDP looks simple, but check how the supplier's forwarder declares the goods. If duties are underpaid on your behalf, the goods can be detained and you can be held liable as the importer.

Air freight, sea freight and courier compared

Choose the shipping mode based on weight, volume, value and how urgently you need the stock. Small, light, high-value items suit air. Bulky or heavy goods suit sea freight.

LCL (less than container load) means your goods share a container with other importers' cargo. It is the usual choice for a first sea shipment. Freight is charged on actual weight or volume, whichever is greater, so ask suppliers for carton dimensions and weights before you get a quote.

Consolidated shipping services that combine goods from several suppliers into one shipment can lower costs for small importers. Our post on how sourcing from China just got cheaper and the podcast episode Importing from China? This is a game changer discuss shared freight options.

Plan around storage charges

Ports and airports allow a limited free storage period. After that, charges add up quickly. DHL's guide to import costs in South Africa notes that storage at South African ports and airports can cost R500 to R2,000 per day once the free period ends. Have your documents ready before the goods land.

Customs duty and import VAT

Customs duty is set by the product's tariff code in the SARS tariff book and ranges from zero to high rates for protected categories such as clothing and footwear. Import VAT is 15%, charged on the customs value plus duty plus a 10% uplift.

Finding your duty rate

Every product has a tariff classification (HS code). The duty rate for that code is listed in Schedule 1 of the SARS tariff book. Some products also carry anti-dumping duties or excise duties. Ask your supplier for the HS code they use for export, then have your clearing agent confirm the South African classification. Classification is the importer's responsibility, and a wrong code can lead to penalties.

SARS's page on duties and taxes for importers explains the main types of duty.

How customs value is worked out

South Africa values imports on a free on board (FOB) basis. The Tax Faculty explains that the main valuation method uses the price paid on an FOB basis, with certain adjustments. In practice, international freight and insurance are generally not included in the value on which duty is charged. This customs FOB basis is not identical to the FOB Incoterm, so let your clearing agent prepare the valuation.

How import VAT is calculated

SARS charges VAT on the added tax value (ATV). According to the SARS FAQ on VAT on imported goods, the ATV is the customs value plus any duty plus 10% of the customs value. VAT is then 15% of that figure. The 10% uplift does not apply to qualifying goods from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho or Namibia.

Here is an example using a customs value of R50,000 and an assumed duty rate of 20%:

If you are VAT registered, you can usually claim the R9,750 import VAT back as input tax. The duty is a real cost that must go into your pricing. Our older post on customs fees for importing products into South Africa covers more background on customs charges.

How to calculate your landed cost

Landed cost is the total cost of getting one unit into your hands, ready to sell. It is the only cost figure you should use to set prices and judge whether an import is worth doing.

Add up every cost below, then divide by the number of sellable units:

1. Product cost from the supplier invoice
2. Bank charges and currency conversion costs
3. International freight and insurance
4. Customs duty and any other duties
5. Import VAT (a cash cost even if you claim it back later)
6. Clearing agent fees and disbursement fees
7. Port, terminal or airport handling and storage charges
8. Local delivery from the port or airport to your premises or warehouse
9. Compliance costs such as testing, LoA or labelling
10. An allowance for damaged or faulty units

Once you have the landed cost per unit, add your selling costs: platform fees, payment fees, packaging, local courier costs and marketing. For marketplace sellers, our guide to how much it costs to sell on Takealot lists the fees to include. Only then can you see your real margin.

Leave enough margin to cover returns, discounts and advertising, which often cost more than beginners expect. Products with thin margins can still work on marketplaces, but they leave little room for error. Our post on eCommerce pricing strategies for South Africa explains how to set prices with confidence.

Working with a clearing agent and freight forwarder

A clearing agent is a SARS-licensed business that submits your customs declaration, pays duties on your behalf and arranges release of your goods. A freight forwarder organises transport. Many companies do both, which keeps things simpler for a beginner.

What a good clearing agent does

• Confirms tariff codes and duty rates before you order
• Prepares and submits the customs declaration
• Pays duty and VAT to SARS and invoices you
• Handles customs queries, inspections and document requests
• Arranges delivery to your door or warehouse

How to choose one

Ask for an all-in quote from origin to your door, showing freight, clearing fees, disbursement fees, port charges and delivery separately. Ask whether they handle small LCL or air shipments regularly, as some focus on large corporate clients. Read the terms on storage and payment, because many agents expect duties to be paid before release.

If you plan to hold stock in a third-party warehouse rather than at home, read our post on whether you should use an outsourced 3PL warehouse. Some 3PLs can receive imported stock directly from your clearing agent.

The import process step by step

Here is the full process for a first commercial import, in the order you should do it. Following this sequence prevents most expensive surprises.

1. Validate demand. Confirm people search for and buy the product in South Africa.
2. Register with SARS Customs and, if needed, for VAT.
3. Check permits and compliance for your product: ITAC, NRCS, ICASA and labelling.
4. Find and vet suppliers, order samples and agree specifications in writing.
5. Get freight and clearing quotes based on carton sizes and weights.
6. Calculate landed cost and confirm your margin works.
7. Agree Incoterms and payment terms, then pay the deposit.
8. Inspect before shipping and pay the balance once goods pass.
9. Collect shipping documents: commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill.
10. Send documents to your clearing agent before the goods arrive.
11. Pay duties and VAT when invoiced so goods are released quickly.
12. Receive, count and check stock, then photograph and list it for sale.

Keep copies of all customs documents. SARS can audit import declarations after the goods are released, and you will need the paperwork to support any VAT you claim back. Our original post on importing products into South Africa gives further background on the process.

Low-value parcels and small test orders

Many sellers start by ordering small quantities through express couriers or postal services. These shipments are cleared under simpler rules, but they are no longer the low-tax shortcut they once were.

SARS announced in August 2024 that low-value parcels, previously charged a flat 20% customs duty with no VAT, would pay VAT on top of that duty from 1 September 2024 as an interim measure, followed by a move to the World Customs Organization's categories for low-value shipments. Details are in the SARS media release on changes to the customs import system. Rules for these parcels have kept changing, so check the current position with your courier or clearing agent before relying on small parcel imports for regular stock.

Small courier shipments are useful for samples and early tests. Once you are importing regularly, a formal import through your own customs code is more reliable and easier to account for.

Importing for dropshipping

If you dropship from overseas suppliers, each parcel goes directly to your customer, who may face duties, VAT and long delivery times. This is one reason many South African stores now prefer local suppliers or importing stock in bulk. Our complete guide to dropshipping in South Africa compares the options.

Common importing mistakes beginners make

Most costly importing problems come from skipping checks before ordering. The mistakes below are all avoidable.

1. Calculating margin on the supplier price. Always use landed cost.
2. Ignoring compliance. Electrical and wireless products can be stuck or unsellable without approvals.
3. Importing second-hand goods without a permit. Used goods need an ITAC permit.
4. Undervaluing invoices. Declaring a lower value to cut duty is fraud and can lead to seizure and penalties.
5. Skipping samples and inspections. A bad batch is hard to resolve once paid for and shipped.
6. Leaving documents late. Storage charges start once the free period ends.
7. Buying counterfeit or branded copies. These are seized and can lead to legal action.
8. Ordering too much the first time. Start with a quantity you can sell within a few months.

Frequently asked questions about importing to South Africa

How much does it cost to import goods into South Africa?

The cost depends on the product, its tariff code, weight and shipping mode. You will pay the supplier price, freight, insurance, customs duty, 15% import VAT on the added tax value, clearing fees and local delivery. Work out the full landed cost per unit before ordering.

Can I import goods without an import licence?

You need a customs client code from SARS to import commercially. A separate ITAC import permit is only needed for controlled goods, such as all second-hand goods and certain listed products. Most new consumer goods do not need an ITAC permit, but some need NRCS or ICASA approval before sale.

How long does it take to import from China to South Africa?

Express courier shipments usually take days and air freight is also measured in days. Sea freight takes several weeks once you add port handling and customs clearance. Confirm production time with your supplier and add it to the shipping time when you plan stock levels.

Can I claim back import VAT?

If you are a registered VAT vendor and the goods are for your business, you can usually claim the import VAT as input tax using the customs documents as proof. If you are not VAT registered, import VAT is a cost you must include in your pricing.

How Insaka helps you import with confidence

Importing can give your online store better margins and products your competitors do not have, but only if you get the numbers and paperwork right from the first order. Insaka eCommerce Academy teaches South African sellers how to choose products, find reliable suppliers, calculate landed costs and build a profitable store or marketplace business.

If you are ready to start importing or want to check your plan with people who have sold online in South Africa for more than 15 years, explore Insaka's eCommerce courses and resources at insaka.co.za.

More guides on importing products to South Africa

• Importing products into South Africa: an introduction
• Customs fees for importing products into South Africa
• How to apply for a South African import licence
• How to source products securely from Alibaba.com and import them into South Africa
• Importing from China? This is a game changer
• Sourcing from China just got cheaper

Written or reviewed by Warrick Kernes, founder of Insaka eCommerce Academy and Shopify's 2021 Top Education Partner worldwide, based on 15+ years of selling online in South Africa.