Precautions for Cross-border Logistics in South Africa
The South African customs have relatively strict supervision of imported goods. During customs clearance, documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin are required, and invoices must detail information such as the commodity name, quantity, unit price, and total price. South Africa has strict access requirements for products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, which must meet the relevant standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). In addition, South Africa requires that wooden packaging must be heat-treated or fumigated and marked with the IPPC logo.
In terms of taxation, South Africa’s tariff rates vary according to commodity categories and countries of origin, with an average of about 8%. In addition to tariffs, imported goods are also subject to value-added tax at a rate of 15%. In terms of transportation, South Africa’s main ports include Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth. The port facilities are complete. However, due to the limitations of the infrastructure, inland transportation costs in South Africa are relatively high. It is recommended to choose logistics providers with local warehousing and distribution capabilities to improve the efficiency of goods delivery.