Founder-led clearing at every SA port of entry — Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, OR Tambo, Beitbridge and beyond. Direct access to a senior clearer, not a call centre — with the flexibility to price the way that suits your operation.
Clearing agents traditionally price on commission over CIF value. That works for some importers and punishes others — especially those shipping high-value, low-complexity cargo. We give you the choice, per shipment or as a standing arrangement.
Not sure which suits you? Send us three recent shipments and we'll model both — no obligation.
Most importers only learn how clearing works when something goes wrong. This section is the short version of what 45 years at the port face teaches you — written so you can hold any clearing agent, including us, to a standard.
Your agent lodges the SAD 500 declaration in your name. That declaration is a legal statement about classification, value and origin, and the liability for getting it wrong largely sits with you as the importer. A good agent therefore does three things before lodgement: confirms the tariff heading, builds the customs value correctly, and checks that every permit or origin certificate is in hand. Anything less is data capture, not clearing.
A SARS customs client (importer) code registered on RLA, a VAT registration if you want to claim the import VAT back, and a supplier document pack that does not change from shipment to shipment: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, origin certificate where a preference applies, and any ITAC, NRCS or DAFF permits your product requires. We set this up with first-time importers before they place the order, not after the vessel sails.
Three cost layers get confused with each other. First, statutory charges: customs duty and 15% VAT paid to SARS, calculated on the CIF value plus the 10% ATV uplift on sea freight. Second, third-party costs: shipping-line release, terminal handling, container deposit, storage and transport — all passed through at the receipt amount. Third, the agency fee, which is either a commission on CIF value or an agreed fixed fee per shipment. You see every third-party receipt; there are no undisclosed markups.
Durban carries the volume and the congestion; Cape Town adds wind delays that can push a vessel by days; Gqeberha and Coega run cleaner but with fewer sailings; OR Tambo air cargo moves fast but punishes document errors because free-storage windows are short; and land borders such as Beitbridge and Lebombo live and die on transit bonds and acquittals. The clearing plan should reflect the gateway, not be copied between them.
Speak directly with a senior clearer. No call centres, no delays.