Customs and import regulations when moving to South Africa | KOCH Umzugslogistik
What you should know about customs and import regulations when moving to South Africa
If you are planning a move to South Africa, there are a variety of customs and import regulations that you need to be aware of. At KOCH Umzugslogistik, we understand that moving to a new country can be challenging. That's why we offer you this comprehensive guide to ease the process and ensure your transition goes as smoothly as possible.
Visa and entry requirements
Germans, Austrians and Swiss do not require a visa to enter South Africa. On arrival you will receive a “visitor's visa” for a maximum of 90 days. Your machine-readable passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of departure and contain two blank pages. Minors also require their own passport; additional documents are required if traveling alone. Exceeding the permitted stay can lead to an entry ban of up to five years.
Travel documents
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes
- Identity card: No
- Temporary identity card: No
- Children's passport: No. Entry only possible with a child's passport without renewal/updating.
Notes/Minimum residual validity: Travel documents must be valid for at least 30 days after the day of departure and have at least two free pages for visa stamps. If you travel on to neighboring countries and then return to South Africa, there must also be sufficient pages for stamps.
Entry and customs regulations
Entry and customs regulations for German nationals may change at short notice without the Federal Foreign Office being informed in advance. Please therefore make additional enquiries in advance with the representations of your destination country. Only there will you receive legally binding and/or additional information on the entry and customs regulations of your destination country. The German customs authorities provide information on the current customs regulations when entering Germany.
Customs regulations and import provisions
General customs regulations
Special customs regulations apply to foreign currency, weapons and certain goods. It is important that you find out about these regulations in advance to avoid problems when entering the country.
Specific requirements for companies
Companies wishing to import goods into South Africa must comply with specific import regulations. These are set out in the Customs and Excise Act of 1964 and the Value-Added Tax Act of 1991. Registration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and application for an import permit from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) are required. This permit ensures that the imported goods comply with the applicable safety, quality, environmental and health standards.
Duty rates and documentation
Duty rates in South Africa vary depending on the product group and are usually between 0% and 30%. However, the rates can be higher for certain goods such as clothing and vehicles. Customs clearance requires extensive documentation, including the Single Administrative Document (SAD) and various other certificates. We recommend working with a local partner who is familiar with the relevant regulations to simplify the process.
Special import licenses and certificates
Additional import licenses and certificates are required for certain products, such as agricultural products or live animals. The Carnet ATA system is used for the temporary import of samples, which excludes customs duties and VAT.
Conclusion
Moving to South Africa requires careful planning and compliance with specific customs and import regulations. At KOCH Umzugslogistik, we will assist you in taking all the necessary steps to ensure your move goes smoothly. Use our expertise to ensure that all your documents and permits are in order and that you have a stress-free start to your new life in South Africa.
For more information and assistance with your move to South Africa, contact us at KOCH Umzugslogistik.
Our removal service South Africa includes the following services:
- Export packaging of furniture
- Packing work complete
- Provision of packaging for overseas shipments
- Furniture dismantling
- Creation of a loading list with a number for each item
- Complete customs clearance export
- Container loading at your premises or pre-collection to our warehouse - depending on the situation
- Transportation from home/warehouse to port
- Sea freight from port to port
- Complete customs clearance import
- Transportation from port to home
- Unpacking the furniture
- Furniture assembly
- Disposal of packaging materials on the day of unloading
- Unpacking of the boxes on request - will be charged separately according to expenditure
- Terminal handling fees at the destination
- Return of the empty container to the port/terminal
You can book one of our all-round carefree packages for a stress-free move or take advantage of individual removal services. In addition to the removal services already mentioned, we also offer special services and additional services for removals of all kinds. Just ask us and together we will quickly find the optimal solution for any removal challenge, no matter how big or small. Send us an inquiry and we will prepare an individual offer for you.
Your relaxed move overseas
As a German company with over 120 years of experience, we know the special features that need to be considered when moving and ensure that your move goes quickly and smoothly.
Our moving company provides you with state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality packaging material to protect your valuables and furniture in the best possible way during transportation.
As one of the most successful moving companies in Germany, we offer you a first-class service at competitive prices. We understand that every move is unique and that's why we offer customized solutions tailored to your individual needs. Come and see us, Heinrich Koch Internationale Umzugs- und Archivlogistik GmbH, our movers and our services for for yourself - and you will soon be one of our many satisfied regular customers.
Arrange a visit with one of our customer advisors.
Arrange an appointment with one of our customer advisors. We will be happy to visit you and provide you with a detailed quote for your USA move that fits. If you need advice or have any questions, please contact us in Osnabrück on the following telephone number 0 541 – 121 68 50. We look forward to helping you!
Make an express request now!
Simply fill out our inquiry form and you will receive a non-binding offer for your move. Our competent consultants will visit you on site or plan the move with you by phone.
Your contact for international moves
Christian Braunschweig