How to Export to South Africa - Export to South Africa

Import Regs: Documentation
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: 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. Importers should apply for the permit, prior to importation, to:

Director, Import and Export Control
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. ShipperÌs Export Declaration (SED): Required if value is more than $2500 ($500 for shipments through the U.S. Postal System). SEDÌs are required for all shipments requiring an export license.

Find more information about the SED online:
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/forms/index.html