South Africa
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • Consignee SARS Customs Importer Code, 10-digit VAT Number, 6-digit HS Code, and precise goods description mandatory on B/L and manifest.
- • Original B/L copies required for SAD 500 customs processing.
Consignee 10-digit VAT number and SARS Importer Code must appear on transport documents. For SADC transit cargo via Durban (to Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, or Zambia), the transit clause ("In transit in bond to [Destination Country] via Port of Durban") must appear in the goods description.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) mandatory prior to shipment for regulated electrical, electronic, chemical, and automotive goods.
- • SABS pre-export verification mandatory for designated goods originating in China.
- • ITAC Import Permits strictly required for used machinery and restricted categories.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Left-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • English product labeling mandatory on all retail goods (compliance with SANS standards).
- • Commercial importation of used passenger motor vehicles is strictly prohibited (ITAC permits restricted to returning residents).
- • Left-hand-drive vehicles strictly prohibited (RHD required).
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat products.
- • Strict ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance enforced at Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Ngqura.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered South African entity holding an active SARS Customs Importer Code and 10-digit VAT Number. For transit cargo, a foreign consignee is allowed provided an accredited local bonded remover is named in Notify. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer with full physical address in South Africa, postal code, phone number, and VAT ID stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Uncertified electrical, electronic, or automotive components lacking an NRCS LOA or SABS verification will be seized by SARS/NRCS at Durban/Cape Town and destroyed. Commercial import of used passenger cars without an ITAC permit results in immediate customs forfeiture.
Compliance Timeline for South Africa
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via NRCS (LOA) / SABS PVoC Accredited Bodies (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV Rheinland) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT left-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for South Africa (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.