International transport
Shipments crossing borders, by one or more modes.
View the service: International transportOverview
Every shipment that crosses a border must be declared to customs. Complete and accurate documents are essential to avoid delays, penalties or additional costs.
Cargo Express helps you prepare and process the customs formalities required for your imports and exports, and coordinates with the customs brokers and authorities involved.
Duties, taxes and the final decisions on clearance are set by the customs authorities. In South Africa, customs is administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
What the service can include
- Check of the commercial documents before shipment
- Support with the description and tariff classification of the goods
- Preparation and submission of the customs declarations, directly or through a licensed broker
- Coordination of inspections requested by the authorities
- Information on the duties and taxes assessed by customs
- Release of the goods once clearance is granted
How it works
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Documents
You send us the commercial invoice, the packing list and any permits.
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Verification
We check the information and request any missing element.
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Declaration
The declaration is prepared and submitted to customs.
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Assessment
Customs assesses the declaration and may request an inspection.
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Release
Once duties and taxes are paid and clearance is granted, the goods are released.
Documents usually required
- Commercial invoice with an accurate description and value of the goods
- Packing list
- Transport document: air waybill or bill of lading
- Importer or exporter customs registration details
- Certificate of origin, to claim preferential duty under a trade agreement
- Permits, licences or certificates for controlled goods
The exact list depends on the goods, the origin and the destination. We confirm it with you before shipping.
Suited for
- Importers and exporters
- Occasional shippers who are not familiar with customs procedures
- Goods subject to permits or specific controls
- Shipments that need to be cleared quickly
Questions about this service
Do I need to be registered to import or export?
In South Africa, businesses that import or export commercial goods generally need to be registered with SARS as an importer or exporter. We can explain the information required.
How are duties and VAT calculated?
They are calculated by customs based on the tariff classification, the customs value and the origin of the goods, at the rates in force on the date of clearance. Cargo Express does not set duties or taxes.
Why can a shipment be held by customs?
The most common reasons are missing or inconsistent documents, an unclear description of the goods, a missing permit or a random inspection. Accurate documents prepared in advance reduce the risk of delays.
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