Africa
Trade terms in South Africa: what works and what catches people out
A foreign seller can register with SARS as importer for DDP, but only by nominating a South African registered agent who takes full liability for its customs dealings. ICC reports foreign insurance is accepted only up to the point of entry.
Record last reviewed · Check a route to South Africa →
DDP when importing into South Africa Usable with conditions ✓ Verified
Can a foreign seller clear the goods and pay import taxes in this country?
Usable with a registered agent. Any person, local or foreign, importing into South Africa must register as importer. A foreign importer must nominate a registered agent located in South Africa (form DA 185 D); the agent assumes full liability for the foreign principal's customs dealings, and the application is suspended until one is approved.
Sources: South African Revenue Service (SARS) · South African Revenue Service (SARS) · last checked
CIF when importing into South Africa Usable with conditions Needs review
Can the seller buy the cargo insurance abroad for goods going into this country?
ICC's January 2025 barrier list reports that cover bought abroad is accepted for CIF/CIP only up to the point of entry; insurance for the onward leg inside the country has to be placed locally. ICC adds that external marine cover appears to be tolerated in some cases.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
CIP when importing into South Africa Usable with conditions Needs review
Can the seller buy the cargo insurance abroad for goods going into this country?
ICC's January 2025 barrier list reports that cover bought abroad is accepted for CIF/CIP only up to the point of entry; insurance for the onward leg inside the country has to be placed locally.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
EXW when exporting from South Africa Unverified Unverified
Can a foreign buyer handle export clearance out of this country?
No EXW barrier is listed for South Africa in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
FCA when exporting from South Africa Unverified Unverified
Are there export-filing traps when the buyer arranges carriage from this country?
No FCA barrier is listed for South Africa in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
FOB when exporting from South Africa Unverified Unverified
Are there local quirks with FOB when shipping from this country?
No FOB barrier is listed for South Africa in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
Sources used on this page
- Importers – registration — South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- Registered Agent — South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- National regulatory barriers to the Incoterms® 2020 rules (updated January 2025) — International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Snapshot as of December 2024, compiled from ICC national committees. Used as a lead list: facts that rely only on this document are flagged for review until confirmed against national law.
'Needs review' means the fact relies on a secondary source (often ICC's January 2025 barrier list) or an inference we have not yet confirmed against the national law. Spotted an error or a change? Tell us.