Documentation and contacts
DOCUMENTATION
Bill of Lading
For customs purposes in South Africa, one negotiable and two non-negotiable copies of the Bill of Lading are required. The bill of lading may be made out either "straight" or "to order".
Certificate of Origin
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. It is a prescribed form with stipulated format, size and content.
This form does not require Chamber of Commerce certification. One original signed copy of the form must be attached to the original commercial invoice covering goods, which require such a declaration.
Commercial Invoice
No prescribed form. Four copies and one original are required. Suppliers must give in their invoices all data necessary for the importer to make a valid entry and for the South African customs to determine value for duty purposes.
Invoices from suppliers will not be accepted as satisfying the requirements of the customs regulations unless they state, in addition to any proprietary or trade name of the goods a full description of their nature and characteristics together with such particulars as are required to assess the import duty and to compile statistics.
Import Licenses
All goods specified in the Import Control Regulations require an import permit. Imports, which contravene import control requirements, are subject to seizure, therefore, before shipping goods to SA exporters must make certain that the importer has obtained the correct import permit. Import permits are only issued to registered importers.
Insurance Certificate
One copy of the certificate is required. Follow the importer's and/or insurance company's instructions in other matters.
Packing List
Three copies are required. Data contained in this document should agree with that in other documents.
Pro-forma Invoice
May be requested by the importer as the first step in negotiating an import contract.
Other Documentation
Phytosanitary certificate is required for shipments of living plants, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables. Importers in SA, in addition, must obtain an entry permit in advance of shipment for any item covered by the pertinent regulations in SA. Special regulations are required for the importation of lard, bacon, ham, hides and skins, sausage casings, animal hair and bristles, and honey and products containing honey.
Marking of Goods and Packages
All goods shipped to SA must conform to the metric International System of Limits. Packages should bear the consignee's mark, including port mark, and they should be numbered unless the shipment is such that the contents of the packages can be readily identified without numbers. >p> Special marking regulations are required for textile goods containing sheep's wool. Special marking regulations are also required for potentially harmful drugs and for food. Labels should be in English or Afrikaans; some items may require both languages. Packaging made from natural materials and fibres must be accompanied by an official certificate stating that the material has been fumigated
CONTACTS & INFORMATION
Click here for a comprehensive guide for US businesses looking to export to SA
Mbendi provides a comprehensive guide to exporting to South Africa. Click here for their site
Click here for the Tradeworld site
Cargo Info Africa provides a comprehensive service for trade into Africa. Click here for their site
First National Bank – Trade Services is an end-to-end business within the FirstRand Group responsible for manufacturing, administering and delivering all trade products and guarantees (both local and foreign). Click here for their site
Standard Corporate Merchant Bank has an up to date advice section on all aspects of trading with South Africa. Click here for their site
Click here for the Africa Business Resource Locator site
