What is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance is a necessary procedure before goods can be imported or exported internationally.
If a shipment is cleared, then the shipper will provide documentation confirming customs duties that are paid and the shipment can be processed.
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take In South Africa
The estimated time that it takes for an exported package to clear South African customs is 5 days.
The imported items could take three or more days to clear customs. These estimates are not considerate of the possible problems that may be faced at customs.
How long does it take to get through customs in South Africa?
Border Control and Baggage Collection
It typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes to clear South African customs and collect your baggage. It is a good idea to have a print copy of your return flight itinerary ready when you pass through customs
How long do packages stay in customs in South Africa?
It takes ten days for an air-mail item abroad and between two and three months for a surface-mail item to a country abroad.
How much is the customs clearance fee in South Africa?
00 per day per consignment which the importer must pay should they wish to retrieve the shipment and pay the import duties.
DHL charges a fee of 2.5 % of the value of the shipment with a Minimum of ZAR 150.00 in order to process the clearance.
Why do customs take so long in South Africa?
The inspection process can become a long one as there are so many packages that are being checked every day.
These inspections are notoriously thorough and will require patience from those who are eagerly awaiting their international packages.
How does customs clearance work in South Africa?
The clearance process includes accepting and checking the goods declaration against the documents produced (invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, permits, etc.), examination of the goods if necessary, and the assessment and collection of duty and VAT.
Customs may require additional information and may also request samples. Customs may also detain goods for other Government departments. The relevant Government department will then ensure compliance with their applicable laws, regulations, and rules.
Customs values are set by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) valuation code, which involves six valuation methods.
You can refer to the SC-CF-55 – Clearance Declaration – External Policy document for more information. For more information on other customs processes related to clearance declaration you can access the links below:
- Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation
- Tariff
- Valuation
- Rules of Origin
- Trade Agreements
- Inspection
- Duties and Taxes
How do custom clearance in South Africa?
Every importer or exporter of goods must lodge a CCD, except when exempted by specific rules before the goods are imported to or exported from South Africa.
Clients make a self-assessment with the transaction documentation and submit the CCD to Customs either electronically or manually.