The South African landscape is a rich mixture of fertile farmland, vast big-animal safaris, incredible mineral wealth, and 2,800 km of beautiful coastline linking two oceans.
As varied as South Africa's landscape is, so are its people - 58 million comprising a range of cultures and colours, and speaking 11 official languages.
But that diverse population is united in showing some impressive e-commerce stats:
33 million internet users
2020 projected revenue of $3.8 billion USD
6.7% predicted compound annual growth through to 2024
So, say 'Howzit' to your South African brothers and sisters!
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to South Africa through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to South Africa. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to South Africa
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 8, 2023
8:49 am
North West, NW, ZA
Delivered
Feb 7, 2023
7:18 am
Gauteng, GA, ZA
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
9:03 pm
Mpumalanga, MP, Za
International Clearance
Feb 6, 2023
8:14 am
Limpopo, LI, ZA
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 5, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in South Africa before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Gift shipments can be sent to South Africa from Canada duty-free, providing the shipment's value is R1,400 or less (about $105 CAD).
The rules governing duty-free gift shipments are as follows:
A gift is from an individual in Canada to an individual in South Africa
The gift is unsolicited by the receiver
A South African can receive only 2 gift shipments per calendar year
Gifts cannot be alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or perfume
If the value of the shipment is greater than R1,400 (about $105 CAD), duty will be charged on the entire amount, even if there are 2 or more gifts in the parcel
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
An individual in Canada may send a gift shipment to an individual in South Africa duty-free up to the value of R1,400 (about $105 CAD). The gift must be unsolicited and there may only be 2 duty-free shipments per calendar year.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There are no gift exemptions for gifts to a business in South Africa from a business in Canada
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A business in Canada cannot send a gift duty-free to an individual in South Africa.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If there are multiple gifts in a shipment to more than 1 person, and the value of the shipment is greater than R1,400 (about $105 CAD), duty must be made on the entire value of the parcel. The exemption cannot be split amongst the recipients of the gifts.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects may be shipped to South Africa from Canada duty and tax free, but this does not apply to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Items considered personal effects include:
Household furniture and small, portable household items
Sporting and recreational equipment
Equipment and tools required by a tradesman or professional as part of their work (does not include industrial, agricultural, and commercial items)
The duty and tax exemption is allowed if:
The individual (Canadian or South African) have been outside of South Africa for 6 or more months
The goods are imported for the use of the individual and/or his/her family
The items are not to be sold or given away for a minimum of 6 months after entry to South Africa
Moving Temporarily
If you are moving temporarily to South Africa from Canada - students and contract workers, you may import your personal effects exempt from duty and VAT. (A refundable deposit may be required to cover all or a portion of the VAT.)
The rules governing moving temporarily to South Africa are:
The goods are either returned to Canada when the work or study term finishes or are sold
The effects are not lent out, sold, or parted with within 6 months of entering the country
NOTE:
The exemption does not apply to people who own holiday homes and reside temporarily in South Africa as a regular occurrence
Moving Permanently
If you are a South African resident or an immigrant moving to South Africa permanently, you may import your personal effects exempt from duty and VAT
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Write clearly 'Personal Effects' on the commercial invoice(see sample)
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising materials are intended to be displayed at conferences and exhibitions. They are to have no commercial value, i.e. they cannot be exchanged for money.
Advertising materials include pamphlets, banners, and brochures.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment repaired in Canada and returning to South Africa will be exempt of duty charges.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty sent to South Africa for repairs will be exempt from GST when it returns to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If an item is sent to South Africa for repairs and is no longer under warranty, GST will be charged. GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to South Africa
There is no information available at this time regarding duty and tax charges for equipment sent to South Africa for repairs
Returning Repaired Product to South Africa
Equipment that was repaired in Canada and is being returned to South Africa will be exempt of duty charges. This includes situations in which a part is replaced under warranty.
The conditions that apply to this shipment are:
Ownership of the equipment is unchanged
The equipment's overall character has not been changed
It is clear that the equipment is being re-imported
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to South Africa or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
The temporary importation of goods to South Africa may occur for a period of up to 6 months and are exempt from duty and tax charges.
NOTE:
Expensive items may require a refundable cash deposit to cover the potential duty and tax charges.
Typical temporary imports include:
Professional equipment such as instruments and tools
Commercial samples
Items to be displayed at exhibitions and international fairs
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Ukraine, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 6 months in South Africa
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Occasional Shipper
If you ship sold goods occasionally to South Africa, for example eBay items, there is nothing special you need to do other than complete a commercial invoice.
The shipment will incur duties and VAT.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to South Africa, we recommend you use the services of a registered South African customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Olive Schreiner 9 Cross St. Cradock 5880 South Africa
Phone: +27 48 881 5251
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with South Africa. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into South Africa, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to South Africa from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3 months to complete the delivery.
