How to Become Clearing Agent South Africa

A clearing agent ensures legal and comfortable passage through border agencies, negotiating with local customs authorities and managing customs inspections.

Below is How to Become Clearing Agent South Africa

Application to be made on form DA185 and the appropriate annexure;

Upon registration, no surety bond either nationally or per port will be needed.

SARS does, however, reserve the right to impose surety bonds if the risk status of the registered agent declines at any point in time.

Clearing Agent Education and Qualifications

To succeed in this career you will need outstanding skills of observance.

The ability to organise as well as methodological thinking is also required.

To succeed in a clearing and forwarding role, you will need to be confident.

Possessing the ability to remain calm under pressure is also important.

Coordination capabilities and interpersonal skills are required for this role.

A basic understanding of law is necessary.

There is also a need for basic accounting skills, with leardership qualities being required in more advanced positions.

There are many avenues to become a clearing agent. You are eligible for a number of different learnerships if you have a Grade 10 or NQF Level 2 qualification.

Options include a learnership in Level 3 Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance in Generic, Air and Surface.

With Grade 11, you will be eligible for a learnership in Level 4 Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance in Financing and Purchasing or Customs.

Advanced learnerships and diplomas are also offered in this category. Grade 12 allows you access to a Level 5 learnership in Freight Handling Logistics.

You can find a wide range of places to study for a custom clearing agent position in South Africa. You can complete training with Skills Development Specialist or Global Maritime Legal Solution.

What is the role of a clearing agent?

Clearing Agents’s role:

The clearing agent acts on behalf of the shipper (importer or exporter depending on the INCO Terms) and arranges for the customs clearances of the imported goods. The role entails: Collecting payment from the shipper for duties and taxes / VAT and making payment to Customs / SARS authorities.

What is a clearing agent shipping?

Here are some of the duties of a Clearing and forwarding agent: Arranging transport from your doors to the warehouse or storage facility and/or from storage to the airlines. Arranging for the air transport- times, loading, costs, and paperwork; overseeing the loading and unloading of goods in transport.

What is a clearing agent in South Africa?

Provides a service that includes the clearance of goods (e.g. Licensee of a Customs warehouse making CCD on behalf of the importer, exporter or owner of the goods) must license as a Customs clearing agent in terms of Section 64B of the Act.

What does it take to be a clearing agent?

A clearing agent should have good coordination skills, and should have a basic knowledge of law and accounting practices. He needs good organizational skills and communication skills, both verbal and written. Good management skills and interpersonal skills are recommended.

How do I become a clearing agent in South Africa?

How to register as a registered agent

Application to be made on form DA185 and the appropriate annexure;

Upon registration, no surety bond either nationally or per port will be needed. SARS does, however, reserve the right to impose surety bonds if the risk status of the registered agent declines at any point in time.

How do clearing houses make money?

To earn a clearing fee, a clearing house acts as a third-party to a trade. From the buyer, the clearing house receives cash, and from the seller, it receives securities or futures contracts. Investors who make several transactions in a day can generate significant fees.