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0800 007 269 (Toll Free)

Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

0800 007 269 (Toll Free)
Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

Table of Contents

  • Import & Export

How Importing & Exporting Can Grow Your SA Business in 2025

We explore Importing & exporting after the recent remarks made by President Trump

Expanding into international markets isn’t just for big companies – it’s a major opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa to grow. Whether you want to bring in affordable products or sell goods to new markets, international trade can help you grow, cut costs, and increase profits.

Why Importing and Exporting is a Game-Changer for SMEs?

Many South African entrepreneurs don’t realise that importing products or raw materials can cut costs, improve product quality, and boost profit margins. On the other hand, exporting South African goods, from locally made products to agricultural goods and manufactured items, can open new revenue streams and help businesses grow beyond South African borders.

Here are the main benefits businesses have by entering the Import and Export Arena:

  1. Save Money: Importing materials or products can lower costs and improve quality.
  2. Grow Your Business: Exporting lets you sell to more customers beyond South Africa.

By getting the right licenses and registrations upfront, South African SMEs and startups can confidently enter the import/export space and take advantage of global trade opportunities.

Below we discuss eveything your business needs to start trading across borders and grow in 2025.

Understanding an Import/Export License

All businesses or individuals who are importing or exporting goods valued at over R50,000 per year, are required by South African law to register for an Import or Export Licence.

We help you understand an import and export license requirements

It can take up to 25 working days to finish the registering process. With the help of Company Partners, this time frame can be cut down to just two weeks.

Once registered, a unique Customs Code will be issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This code must match the name on the trade invoices so that customs clearance goes smoothly.

Why is an Import and Export License Important?

  • Customs Clearance: Required for goods to move legally through South African ports and borders.
  • Tax Compliance: SARS uses Import and Export registration to monitor duties, VAT, and tariffs.
  • Trade Agreements: Businesses trading under agreements like AGOA or AfCFTA must be registered.
  • Avoid Delays & Penalties: Operating without the correct documentation can result in fines, confiscation, or shipment delays.

Need an Import or Export License?

Our Import Export Specialists have helped thousands of South African businesses to get their Export and Import Licenses since 2006.
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Understanding Trade Agreements

Trade agreements are important agreements between countries that lower or get rid of import taxes, tariffs, and other trade barriers to make global trade easier. These deals are very important for promoting economic cooperation and making it easier for countries to get into international markets.

South Africa is a part of multiple important trade deals, here follows 5 of the most popular options for SMEs:

 

The Main Benefits of Trade Agreements:

  1. Better market opportunities: South African businesses are now better prepared to compete with international markets.
  2. Lowered Tariffs: When customs duties are lowered or eliminated, you can sell your goods at more affordable and competitive prices.
  3. Reduced Production Cost: Companies can take advantage of lower import costs for raw materials and improve overall profit margins.

Need a Trade Agreement for your Business?

Get quick, compliant, and cost-effective Trade Agreement Services, helping your business thrive in international markets.
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Have more questions? Here are some of the most frequent questions asked regarding Import Export Licenses and Permits:

Below is what’s you’ll need to register for an Import or Export License:

  1. ID Number / Passport
  2. Company Registration Documents
  3. Business Bank Account
  4. South African Address
  5. Registered Representative updated at SARS.

South Africans who live outside of South Africa can still bring goods into or out of the country. Make sure you have an RSA address and a bank account ready before you start. If it’s hard to get the address and bank account information, you might want to hire a South African contact to help you with your import and export business.

Importing & exporting doesnt require a VAT Registration depending on your revenue

Did you know you don't have to register for VAT to get an Importer/Exporter License? However, should you meet the criteria for VAT registration or if you need help to get started, our experts are here to help.

The time it takes to get an Import or Export License depends on many things. To make sure the application process goes smoothly, it’s important to know the exact steps and standards. Applicants should usually expect to wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months, based on how complicated their request is and how quickly the authorities can handle it. Keeping up with the process and being ready can make it go much more quickly.

No. You can’t use someone else’s pass, even if they are a friend or family member. It is very important that the name on your Commercial Invoice and the Customer Code that is officially registered under your name match up with your License.

An Import/Export License is a more general term for a number of different permissions needed for international trade. An International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) permit is a specific permission needed to bring certain things into or out of a country. The main difference is between the types of permits and licenses and the governing bodies that issue them. For instance, it is necessary to have an ITAC permit to bring controlled goods into or out of the country.

Check out the most current list of goods that need an ITAC permit to stay up to date on the latest news. You can also find the most up-to-date rules on exports here. Follow these links to see a full list of items that are regulated.

Before you start importing and exporting, you should make sure you know the laws that guide these activities.

Here are a few examples. Usually, you need to get an ITAC permit in order to bring used things into or out of the country. Importing materials like gemstones (Tiger’s Eye) and minerals (Sugilite) is always limited and, in many cases, not allowed at all. The same goes for raw materials and industrial resources like ferrous and non-ferrous waste, scrap, and used cars.

Its also great getting an itac permit should you be importing or exporting

Need assistance with getting an ITAC permit? Company Partners can assist you to get an ITAC Permit to Import Second Hand Goods into South Africa within 2 weeks.

An Advance Payment Notification (APN) is a regulatory requirement introduced by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to monitor advance foreign exchange payments.

You can apply for an APN Number at any time, using eFiling, provided your payment and shipment adhere to the following criteria:

  1. If the payment exceeds R50000.
  2. If the goods have not yet been cleared by customs.

Without an APN Number, your transaction may be delayed or blocked, causing unnecessary complications for your business or personal finances. Contact Company Partners for expert assistance to get your APN approved quickly and hassle-free.

South Africa’s Customs rules must be followed at all times, or you can face increased import and export costs, shipping delays, or even big fines. South African businesses must put the following steps at the top of their list of priorities:

  • Make sure you have a valid Import/Export registration number. Everyone who imports or exports goods needs to have a customs number to do business internationally.
  • Follow the rules for importing and exporting. Some strategic or restricted goods need special permits to bring the goods into South Africa.
  • Make sure that goods are correctly classified. If goods are misclassified, they may face higher duties or fines. See this SARS link for more information.

How can Company Partners Assist?

It can be hard to understand customs rules and ways to get duty rates lowered. Company Partners, on the other hand, makes it easier by assisting with:

  • Customs Registration Services: These services help businesses get their customs registration number.
  • APN Applications: Helping companies get the Advanced Payment Notification they need to take advantage of duty-free trade deals.
  • Compliance consulting helps businesses understand customs rules so they don’t get fined and can save money.
  • Helping businesses get and keep their buyer and exporter licenses is what import/export licensing is all about.
  • Import Export Shelf Companies: We can help you buy and register a shelf company that already has a customs number.
  • You can be sure that you will have a specific Import/Export License expert who will help you every step of the way.
  • The best part is that you can do everything online, so you don’t have to come to our buildings. You’re allowed to come in if you want to, but you don’t have to, to get it.
Speak to company partners about your importing and exporting needs

In Conclusion

Businesses in South Africa can become more competitive by obtaining the right Import and Export License and lowering their costs by leveraging trade deals. Taking these smart steps can help you establish a foothold in global markets and grow your business in 2025.

Here are a few additional resources you may find helpful:

  1. The Ultimate Guide to Getting an Import License in South Africa
  2. ITAC Permit: A Guide for South African Importers and Exporters

Weather you need an Import / Export License, Trade Agreements or Permits, Company Partners is ready to assist to get your company ready to trade!

Contact us today!
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