Frequently asked Questions

There are various steps required to importing, but one has to research on factors that determine importing, such factors include the following;

The commodity being imported

• The weights and dimensions of the commodity
• The mode of transport
• The import regulations at the country of destination
• The commodity value
• Any special handling requirements once the cargo reaches it’s final destination

Below is an example of a shipment and the minimal requirements for this commodity

Shipment type: LCL
Country of origin: China.
Commodity: Rubber bands.
Dimensions: 4CBM
Packaging Type: Pallets
Weight: 650KG
Final destination: Durban (Morningside)

In this example the importer has already found an export agent who will facilitate the export leg and merely needs an agent at country of destination for the import leg of the journey.

1. Find an agent at country of destination and provide them with the required shipping documents.
2. Customs agent will contact the groupage agent which is handling the shipment and request for the estimated time of arrival, charges and the other documents which will be required to clear the shipment.
3. Customs agent provides a quotation to the importer which includes all known(The customs agent should also make the importer aware of any possible permit requirements however importer should have already done this research prior to loading the shipment)
4. Once the quotation is paid the customs agent conducts the clearance and gets a customs release.
5. Customs agent waits for container to be moved to the groupage agent’s depot for unpack.
6. Once the cargo is unpacked, the customs agent arranges for pickup and delivery to importers premises.

Shipment is delivered with all relevant documents sent to the importer.

There 4 modes of transport which we mainly use, these are:

Air Freight

Advantages:

• Fastest mode of transportation
• Most suitable for high-value commodities
• Insurance premiums are cheaper

Disadvantages:

• Most expensive mode of transport
• Not suitable for larger consignments
• Delays are inevitable as flights are controlled by weather conditions

Sea Freight

Advantages:

• The most cost-effective mode of transportation
• It helps promote import and export
• Larger volumes can be accommodated

Disadvantages:

• Shipping by sea is slower compared to other modes of transport
• Sailing schedules aren’t usually fixed
• Only limited to areas which have seaports

Road freight

Advantages:

• Remote areas can be accommodated within a shorter period of time
• Acts as a feeder for other modes of transport
• More cost-effective than other modes of transport

Disadvantages:

• High risks of accidents occurring during transit
• Safety of the commodity being carried is not guaranteed as information can be leaked
• Due to unforeseen circumstances, delays are inevitable

It is important to note that we as agents may suggest that you utilise sea freight for a consignment containing gold, but due to this commodity being of high value your best and safest option would be to air freight it as it will arrive sooner and less handling is required for this process.

The best way to determine the best mode of transport is to get the cargo value, the type of commodity, and the dimensions, this information is then given to your chosen clearing agent who will provide a quotation which best fits the importer’s needs.

Example 1: If a race car needs a specific part for a race that will be taking place tomorrow, airfreight would be the best option which will be more expensive however the urgency makes it the only viable option.

Example 2: if at the end of the season, the racing team needs three replacement engines for a race taking place in 4 months’ time, sea freight is a more viable option since time is not a major factor and will be considerably cheaper than air.

Determining the mode of transport can be tricky one as we also have to accommodate the client’s needs, with this being said we as customs clearing and forwarding agents would need relevant information from the client. Such information includes:

• The commodity value
• The commodity weight
• The total dimensions of each packages
• The place of loading
• The place of offloading
• Any special handling requirements

Import duties and taxes are charges which are levied by SARS for goods coming into the Republic of South Africa, different commodities have different charges with some being duty free. This is entirely dependent on the commodity. This information can be acquired from the SARS tariff book. Schedules to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 | South African Revenue Service (sars.gov.za)

All aspiring importers are advised to conduct their research prior to shipping the goods to avoid being left which duties and taxes which were not budgeted for.

This varies entirely depending on the country of origin,  type of cargo, chosen mode of transport, political/ weather conditions, and the shipping line/ airline chosen, the customs agent/ freight forwarder will be able to give you a rough estimate when providing you with a quotation.

1. Detailed packing list
2. Commercial / Pro Forma Invoice
3. Delivery address.
4. Bill of lading with SOB date
5. Certificates of origin
6. Weight and dimensions of cargo.
7. Groupage agent/ shipping line chosen.
8. Any special requirements such as offloading.
9. Type of commodity

Further documents may be required solely depending on the type of commodity being imported.

As clearing agents, we do not have any suppliers however our connection to the international markets means we would be able to source one if the client so desires

The following determine the cost:

1. Type of shipment.
2. Mode of transport.
3. Dimensions and weight of the commodity.
4. Political, weather, and other global conditions.
5. The shipping line, groupage agent, and airline chosen.

Country of origin and destination.

Yes, for all imports and exports a customs broker would need to be appointed to act on behalf of the client.

Depending on the commodity and type of shipments:

1. Importer/ exporter
2. Warehouse
3. Clearing agent
4. Freight forwarder
5. Shipping line, airline groupage agent.
6. Transporters
7. Government Agencies
8. Banks
9. National Port authority.

The import of Certain goods is controlled by the state and its appointed regulatory bodies, without adhering to the regulations the consignment will not be allowed into the republic even if it has been cleared by Customs, hence the importance of the importer doing their due diligence prior to the goods even being purchased. Below are a few commodities and their regulating bodies.