How to Become An Import export Agent In South Africa

An Import-Export Agent is responsible for managing and organizing international shipments and providing clients and companies guidance throughout the processes.

Why do I need an import license?

Import licences are designed to regulate and control certain types of goods entering the South Africa borders. They’re mainly issued by the Government’s Department for International Trade, at its Import Licensing Branch. However, some types of import licence are issued by other bodies.

What is the import process?

Import Procedure:

Import trade refers to the purchase of goods from a foreign country. The procedure for import trade differs from country to country depending upon the import policy, statutory requirements and customs policies of different countries. The imports of goods have to follow a procedure

What are the import and export procedures?

Typically, the procedure for import and export activities involves ensuring licensing and compliance before the shipping of goods, arranging for transport and warehousing after the unloading of goods, and getting customs clearance as well as paying taxes before the release of goods.

Become An Import Export Agent The Right Way

Firstly, becoming a successful import export agent is what we need to be focused on and for this become a reality, like anything in life, it’s going to take some hard work, time and dedication.

As we all know, any new career or skill that we want to learn is always going to take effort and some form of dedication. Nothing worth pursuing comes easy or for free. It’s unfortunately not as simple as working from home for a few hours each evening.

Product knowledge is paramount, hard work and understanding international trade are all key parts of making a success of becoming an import export agent. Honing your negotiation skills, understanding international methods of payments and an understanding of international contract law are very wise.

Two Types of Import Agent in South Africa

Commission Agent

A commission agent introduces a buyer to a seller and receives a commission for sealing the deal and continues to receive a commission for any future sales from that same deal.

As a commission agent you’ll be dealing with buyers who want the product but likely don’t have much knowledge of international trade, which Incoterm to purchase under, best method of payment nor custom clearance procedures.

Stockist Agent

As a stockist agent, you will actually buy the goods or products yourself, keep and store those goods, find buyers yourself and sell them to anyone you want. You could sell regionally, nationally or internationally.

Below are 5 Golden Tips To Become An Import Export Agent In South Africa

So, here’s our top 10 tips to becoming a successful import export agent:

Step 1: Search For A Product You Want To Represent

Establishing what you want to sell, finding a supplier, manufacturer or a source of products is obviously where you need to start in order to become broker for them.

One effective method of sourcing is by contacting the embassy of the country you wish to source from. For example, if you are sourcing products in China, contact the commercial section of the Chinese Embassy in your country and ask for a list of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers of the product you want to represent.

Step 2: A Range of Products

Develop a range of products from either your chosen supplier or consider finding a range products that fit well together, from multiple suppliers.

The big advantage to this strategy is when you are in front of a potential client, pitching your main product, it can convince them to buy from you if you can back it up with a range as they may see more opportunity to sell the range, therefore earn more profit.

Step 3: Product Knowledge

Do you have sufficient knowledge of your product? You’re not necessarily expected to know every single detail about your products and be able to answer every question but you do need to have a good understanding of the product, how it’s manufactured, cost of production, wholesale price, retail price, profit margins etc.

Step 4. Research, Research, Research.

Know your market – this is so important.

Run your numbers, do the numbers add up and is there a profit margin that you can work with?

Find your niche, find something that you can specialize in, become the leader, the expert, in that area and build a solid foundation from here.

Step 5: Safety Regulations

This is an important step that many overlook and can be very costly if not considered. Does your products comply with health and safety regulations in the country that you’re selling?

Imagine finding your products, pitching to clients, negotiating a deal and importing your products to find out they’re not compatible with health and safety regulations, can’t be sold and are held up at customs.

How can I become an import export agent In South Africa?

How To Become An Import Export Agent

Find A Product You Want To Represent.

Build a Range of Products.

Make Sure Your Product Knowledge is 100%

Do Your Competitor Research.

Make Sure You’re Aware of Any Safety Regulations.

Establish What Territory You Want To Represent (Local, National or International)

How do I start exporting from South Africa?

Steps to start exporting in South Africa

Select export products for South Africa.

Select distributors/ suppliers for your products.

Find customers/buyers.

Handle export procedures and documentation.

How do I become a importer and exporter in South Africa?

What you should do

Register as an importer at Sars.

Go to ITAC or download the applicable form.

Fill in the forms.

Submit the forms to the Directorate: Import and Export Control at ITAC.

How do I start an import business in South Africa?

If you are planning to bring controlled goods, used or second-hand goods, waste or scrap into the country, you first need to register as an importer with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and then apply to the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) for an import permit.

What do I need to export from South Africa?

If no foreign exchange has been generated, Form NEP (which stands for No Exchange Proceeds) is required.

Commercial invoice.

Certificate of origin.

Bill of lading.

Consular invoice. .

Inspection certification.

Dock receipt and warehouse receipt.

Insurance certificate.

Export permit.

Do you need an export license In South Africa?

The answer is usually “no” because about 95 percent of all items exported from the United States don’t require an export license. Exporters should learn which federal department or agency has jurisdiction over the item they are planning to export in order to find out if a license is required.

What does South Africa export to Zimbabwe?

South Africa Exports to Zimbabwe. Value. Year. Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers.

What is the import process?

Import Procedure:

Import trade refers to the purchase of goods from a foreign country. The procedure for import trade differs from country to country depending upon the import policy, statutory requirements and customs policies of different countries. The imports of goods have to follow a procedure.

Is importing a good business In South Africa?

The import/export business is a high profit enterprise. Because of the low overhead, most of the money you make on commission is yours. But building a truly profitable business requires dedication and a good knowledge of the business. You need numerous contacts who know you, respect you, and can recommend your work.