SAFS TRADING · SERVICES · CUSTOM BROKERAGE
Customs Clearance & Brokerage Services
As a SARS‑registered customs clearing agent, we act as your licensed representative—preparing and lodging import, export, and transit entries for your cargo. Every clearance is managed to meet regulatory standards, duties and VAT are calculated correctly, and queries are resolved efficiently, ensuring a smooth process without unnecessary delays.
Compliance without complications
Customs clearance is the legal process of moving goods across borders. It requires:
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Border inspection – Cargo reviewed by SARS and other authorities.
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Document submission – Bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, and permits lodged correctly.
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Duty and tax calculation – Tariff classification applied to determine payable duties and VAT.
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Shipment release – Final approval allowing cargo to move onward.
The slightest error in any of these steps can stall cargo and trigger costly storage charges. That’s why we review every document before submission, confirm tariff headings against the official schedule, and calculate landed costs upfront. Should SARS issue a stop or query, we manage the correspondence directly, ensuring prompt resolution and minimised delays.
Full-scope customs support
We manage the entire customs clearance process as a unified service, ensuring every submission meets regulatory requirements.
Import, export and transit entries
Declarations for goods entering, leaving or passing through South Africa, including removals in bond and warehousing.
Tariff classification
Product analysis conducted and tariff headings confirmed against the current schedule and explanatory notes.
Duty and VAT calculation
Landed cost calculated before payment, including rebates and preferential trade rates.
Permits and certificates
Clients are advised if any permits, certificates, or supporting literature are required for the entry of specified goods.
Stops, queries and inspections
Any stop, query, or inspection raised by SARS or other regulatory authorities is managed on the client’s behalf, with issues resolved efficiently to minimise delays and/or penalties.
Release and delivery instruction
Customs release documents are obtained upon clearance and cargo dues are processed for cargo release to the client/transporter.
Step-by-step transparency
01
Documents in
You provide the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and arrival notice. We confirm receipt and advise immediately if anything is missing, or additional documents are required.
02
Check and classify
Goods are classified, values verified, and duty/VAT calculated. Any potential queries are flagged upfront.
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Lodge with SARS
The entry is submitted on your behalf. We provide the reference details and confirm the amount payable.
04
Release and follow-through
Customs clearance is obtained, with a full set of documents to complete your cargo release.