Although not meant to be all-inclusive, this can give you an introduction to some of the details you need to be aware of for specific markets.

More country-specific information is available from the Trade Information Center's Regional Databases here!

Required Documentation

Bill of Lading: Three original copies of the bill of lading are required. Weights and measures are to be in the metric system on the bill of lading.

Certificate of Origin: As requested - work with your importer on this issue.
A Declaration of Origin Form DA59 is to be used in cases where a rate of duty lower than the general rate is claimed and also, for goods liable to anti-dumping or countervailing duty (i.e., in all cases where the origin of the goods must be known by Customs in South Africa). There are specific rules regulating this document.

Commercial Invoice: Should be issued in four copies and one must be original.

Import License: Each year a list of goods requiring import permits is specified in an annual Import Control Program, and is valid for imports from any country. The Directorate of Import and Export Control within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) administers the issuance of permits, though additional and prior authorization may be required from other departments that also have jurisdiction over the control of goods in question. In recent years, the DTI has tried to phase out import permits in favor of tariffs.

Almost all new goods are exempt from import control measures. All used goods, second-hand goods, waste and scrap are, however, subject to import control measures. The other products that require import permits include: fish and fish products, residues, petroleum products, ozone-depleting chemicals, firearms and ammunition, gambling equipment, and radioactive chemical elements.

Goods specified in the Import Control Regulations published in G.N. No. R2582 dated December 23, 1988 (as amended) require an import permit. The importer's failure to produce a required license could result in penalties.

For official information and assistance on obtaining import permits, prior to importation, please contact:

Director of Imports and Exports
Department of Trade and Industry
Private Bag X84
Pretoria 0001
Tel: 012 310-9791
Fax: 012 322-0298

Insurance Certificate: One copy of the certificate is required by South African importer (if claims are to be paid in South Africa, then this must be the original copy).

Packing List: Three copies are required.

Preshipment Inspection: No government requirement. May be requested by importer.

Pro-Forma Invoice: No government requirement.

U.S. Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED): Required if value is more than $2500 ($500 for shipments through the U.S. Postal System). SED's are required for all shipments requiring an export license.