Customs, compliance and cargo.

Tariff classification is the foundation of customs compliance. Each imported product must be assigned the correct tariff code in Schedule No. 1 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964. That code determines the applicable customs duty rates, permit requirements from authoritative regulators, eligibility for trade agreement preferences, and the application of anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard duties. South African importers are legally accountable for the code declared—even

Anti-dumping duties are additional charges that South Africa places on certain imported products when they are sold locally at unfairly low prices. These duties apply on top of normal customs tariffs and can significantly raise landed costs. Importers need to check them carefully before placing orders, as they vary by product, country, and sometimes even by manufacturer. On 28 September 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) confirmed t

The October fuel price increase has lifted diesel costs by R2.84–R3.24 per litre from 7 October 2026. Importers will feel the impact in two places: higher fuel surcharges on sea freight and rising cartage rates for moving containers from the port to their premises. Both stem from the same source—a surge in international oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Government confirms October fuel adjustmentsThe Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede M

Durban handles over 60% of South Africa’s container traffic, making it the country’s most critical gateway for imports. While quayside operations have improved, vessel delays and slow inland container movements continue to pose significant challenges. Daily container movements at the Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) have returned to normal levels; however, transporters still face prolonged waiting times for collection. According to the Southern African Association of Freight For