Guide to Exporting From South Africa

If your business has reached a stage where it’s ready to tap into new markets beyond South Africa’s borders, it’s crucial that you’re aware of all the exporting regulations in South Africa.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), South Africa recorded exports of R179 billion in November 2025. Displaying steady growth of 4,49% from R171 billion in November 2024.

Exporting offers numerous growth opportunities for your business. These opportunities include revenue growth and access to new markets. In this guide, we’ll outline the essential steps your business needs to take to begin exporting from South Africa.

To export from South Africa, you must ensure you have the documentation needed and comply with export regulations. This includes complying with SARS, preparing commercial invoices, packing lists, obtaining an exporter code, and being informed, as well as complying with the regulations of the destination country.

Exporter Registration

Entities that aim to export across South Africa’s borders have to register as a trader with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Through the registration process, once your application is approved, you will receive a Customs Client Number (CCN). This number serves as a unique identification that you will use to clear your goods through customs.

Registering as an Exporter Through SARS

To register through SARS as an exporter, follow these steps:

1. Exporter Registration

Any person or business that wants to export goods from South Africa must register as an exporter with SARS. Foreign exporters must appoint a registered agent in South Africa. The appointed agent will take responsibility for compliance with SARS.

2. Registration Process

Registration is completed online via SARS eFiling, using the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system.

Steps include:

• Logging into SARS eFiling or creating an account.
• Linking your personal profile to your company or business profile.
• Assigning the required RLA user rights.
• Submitting the exporter application through the system.

3. Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of South African address (e.g., municipal account).
• Certified copy of ID or passport.
• Company registration documents, if applicable.
• Tax registration proofs (VAT, PAYE, SDL, UIF).
• Bank details through official information, such as a letter from the bank.
• Proof that the applicant is at least 21 years old.

4. Customs Declarations

Exporters submitting their own Customs Clearance Declarations must register as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) users. If using a licensed customs clearing agent, EDI registration is not required.

Certain goods will require you to obtain permits. Rules depend on the type of product.

Regulatory Bodies

• International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC): Handles permits for strategic goods. The ITAC enforces health, security and safety, as well as maintaining the technical standards.
• Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF): The DAFF Handles agricultural exports.

Steps to check your product:

• Find the product’s HS code.
• Check ITAC for controlled goods.
• Apply for permits early.

ITAC Frequently Controlled Export Goods

• The exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap: This is controlled as a means to assist in maintaining access to ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap by local foundries.
• The exportation of used motor vehicles: This is controlled as a strategy to assist in the prevention of stolen motor vehicles.
• The exportation of precious stones (Tiger’s Eye and Sugulite): This is controlled as a means to assist in strategies of domestic beneficiation for the Department of Mineral Resources.

Shipping is more than packing a box. Knowing how transportation works for exporting goods is essential. You must inform yourself of the regulations and plan how goods get to buyers safely.

Transport Options

There are three options to choose from to transport your goods. You must make the best option for your business by comparing the cost, speed, and product type:

• Air: Exporting goods by air is the fastest option. This option is most suitable for high-value or perishable items.
• Sea: If you’re exporting bulk or non-perishable items, transporting the goods by sea is a suitable option. Additionally, it’s cheaper than air transportation.
• Road: Road transportation is a simpler option when exporting to neighbouring countries.

Incoterms

Incoterms stand for International Commercial Terms. These terms are essentially the standard that defines responsibility for goods through the transportation process. So, in sales contracts for imports and exports, there should be a clear definition of liability during shipping and delivery.

There are 11 terms. Which are as follows:

1. EXW – Ex Works

Ex Works places most responsibility on the buyer. The seller only prepares the goods and makes them ready at their business location or another agreed place. Once the goods are ready, the buyer takes over. The buyer arranges loading, transport, export clearance, insurance, and import rules. Risk moves to the buyer very early. This term works best when the buyer controls the full shipping process.

2. FCA – Free Carrier

Free Carrier means the seller delivers the goods to a carrier or an agreed place. This could be a warehouse, terminal, or port. The seller clears the goods for export. Once the carrier receives the goods, risk moves to the buyer. The buyer then manages transport and insurance. FCA offers more support from the seller than Ex Works while still limiting the seller’s role after handover.

3. CPT – Carriage Paid To

Carriage Paid To means the seller pays for transport to a set location. Even though the seller pays for shipping, the liability does not stay with them. Liability moves to the buyer once the goods are handed to the carrier. The buyer carries the risk while the goods are in transit. Insurance is not included under this term, so the buyer must arrange cover if needed.

4. CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid To

Carriage and Insurance Paid To builds on CPT by adding insurance. The seller pays for transport and insurance to the destination. Risk still moves to the buyer when the goods are handed to the carrier. The insurance must meet basic cover levels. This term gives the buyer some protection during transport while allowing the seller to manage shipping and insurance arrangements.

5. DAP – Delivered at Place

Delivered at Place means the seller delivers the goods to a named destination. The goods arrive ready for unloading. The seller pays for transport and carries the risk until arrival. The buyer handles import clearance, duties, and taxes. Risk moves to the buyer only when the goods reach the agreed place. This term works well when buyers want control over local customs steps.

6. DPU – Delivered at Place Unloaded

With DPU, a lot of the liability lies with the seller. The seller delivers the goods and unloads them at a set place. The seller maintains responsibility until unloading is complete. The buyer handles import clearance and duties. This term requires careful planning, as the seller must ensure that unloading equipment is available at the destination before delivery takes place.

7. DDP – Delivered Duty Paid

Delivered Duty Paid places nearly all responsibility on the seller. The seller pays for transport, insurance, import duties, and taxes. The goods are delivered ready for unloading. Risk moves only at final delivery. The seller must understand the import rules of the buyer’s country. This term gives the buyer a simple experience but requires strong knowledge from the seller.

8. FAS – Free Alongside Ship

FAS is for sea transport. The seller places the goods next to the ship at the port. Once the goods are alongside the ship, liability is removed from the seller and moves to the buyer. The buyer handles loading, shipping, insurance, and import steps. The seller clears the goods for export. This term is often used for bulk goods shipped by sea.

9. FOB – Free On Board

The seller loads the goods onto the ship. Liability moves to the buyer once the goods are on the ship. The seller handles export clearance and port costs up to loading. The buyer pays for shipping, insurance, and import charges.

10. CFR – Cost and Freight

The seller pays for transport to the destination port. Once the goods are on the ship, the risk moves to the buyer. The buyer must arrange insurance. Export clearance and shipping costs are handled by the seller. This term suits sellers who want control over freight but limited risk during the journey.

11. CIF – Cost, Insurance, and Freight

Cost, Insurance, and Freight includes transport and insurance to the destination port. The seller pays for both. Risk still moves to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the ship. The insurance provides basic protection during transport. CIF is widely used in sea trade when buyers want insurance included while accepting risk after shipment.

Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are the middlemen between the company responsible for making a shipment and the set destination for the goods. Freight forwarders offer modes of transportation but do not handle the shipment.

Tips when using a forwarder:

• Get quotes from multiple providers. Don’t just choose the cheapest option. Compare their offerings, reviews, etc.
• Check that they have registered with SARS.
• Gain clarity on who handles permits and customs.

Exporters must ensure that the goods are properly packaged and labelled. Here is what you need to consider when packing goods:

• Transportation: If you’re using sea transport, you must ensure the packaging is more secure than it would be for air freight. This is because goods would have a longer travel time.
• Product nature: Fragile products should be packaged in a protective manner to ensure no breakage or spillage.
• Weather: Be prepared for even the worst of weather conditions.

Labelling

Labelling is essential as your goods need to be easily identifiable.

• Important information: Name, address, customs client number, package number, country, handling information, etc.
• Quantity and quality of goods: Weight, volume, ingredients, material, expiry dates, etc.

Export prices must cover shipping, customs, and changes in currency value. Your price must also leave room for profit in the target market. When selling outside South Africa, pricing needs careful planning. A price that works locally may not work in another country.

Key pricing points to consider:

Include all costs

Make sure your final price includes every cost linked to exporting. This covers freight, insurance for goods in transit, packaging, storage, and handling fees. Including all costs from the start helps avoid surprise charges later.

Compare market prices

Research prices charged by other sellers in the target market. Look at both direct and indirect competitors. This helps you set a price that feels fair and competitive while still protecting your profit.

Manage currency risk

The rand can change in value against other currencies. This can affect your income. Set clear rules for how often you review exchange rates and adjust prices. This helps protect your profit when currency values shift.

Secure Ways to Receive Payment

Advance Payment

The buyer pays the full amount before the goods are shipped. This method reduces risk for the seller and helps protect cash flow.

Letter of Credit

A bank promises to pay the seller once all required shipping and legal documents are submitted. This method offers strong payment security for both sides.

Open Account

The buyer pays after the goods are delivered. This method carries more risk and is best used when trust is already established.