PERSONAL EFFECTS AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS
PERSONAL EFFECTS AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Relocating across boarders isn’t as simple as relocating locally. Your personal property which is referred as personal effects and household goods becomes the concern of the state you are relocating to. Simple products such as linen and the like need to be fully disclosed as used property not intended for sale. If not stated you may find yourself having to pay duties and taxes to import your personal and household effects.
What are Personal Effects and Household Goods?
Personal effects are items that are of a personal nature that are worn or carried by the individual. These include personal jewelry, personal care items, educational or recreational items such as clothing:
- books
- sporting equipment
- wedding or engagement rings
- books
- musical instruments
- prosthetic devices
- wheelchairs and the like.
Household goods are defined as tangible and movable personal property used within households which include but not limited to:
- furniture
- baby items
- kitchen items
- linen
- electrical appliances
- tools
Returning South Africans, Immigrants, Temporary Residence Permit holders and Diplomats are allowed to import their personal effects and household goods into South Africa without the payment of import duties and VAT.
Exclusions
Items that are deemed as prohibited thus cannot be imported as personal and household effects in South Africa are:
- ammunition and explosives
- alcoholic beverages
- tobacco products
- drugs
- pornographic material
- agricultural products
- uncooked meat and poultry
- uncut diamonds
- unwrought gold
- Honey, beeswax, bees, bee eggs or larvae, and used beehive appliances.
Although Firearms and Motor Vehicles may be seen as personal good, legally they require an Import Permit.
Tourists on the other hand are liable to pay the full import duties and taxes on the importation of personal effects and household goods. Additionally, before the shipment of the goods an Import Permit must be obtained for all used goods.
Terms and conditions
The condition to qualify for duty-free importation is that the importer must have been out of the country continually for at least 6 months. Furthermore they may only import personal effects and household goods once per a calendar year after which you will require special permission.
It is required that the owner of the Household Goods must be in South Africa before Customs Clearance can take place. Also an Inventory list of the personal effects and household goods in the container must be produced as well as the proof of change of residence.
A cash deposit of 20% or more is required to cover the full import duties and taxes on the personal and household effects if the Residence Permit is not be available when the container arrives in South Africa. These deposits are refundable on the production of the required Residence Permit.
Documentation
You will need Customs Clearance Forms to accompany your personal and household effects.
The required documentation:
- Inventory of goods
- Form P1.160 – Declaration in respect of unaccompanied manifested household effects
- Form DA 304 – Item 407.06 of Schedule No. 4 to the Customs and Excise Act ; and
- SAD 500 – Customs Declaration Form
Final Note
Altogether, importing personal effects and household goods may seem tedious, but we’re here to simplify the process for you at Top Freight Clearing and Forwarding. As a result we help your goods get settled in your new home as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to call us for assistance with your personal and household effects importations.
Our dedicated freight controller are ready to discuss your freight needs and plan the most effective strategy for your company and shipment. For more information or for an obligation-free quote contact 031 028 0043.
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