TRAVELLER’S GUIDE
Customs requirements when entering and leaving South Africa
9
GOODS ON WHICH DUTY HAS TO BE PAID
Other than those specified above, all goods and gifts acquired abroad
are subject to the payment of Customs duty and VAT when they are
brought into South Africa. This includes goods purchased duty-
free on board aircraft and ships or in duty-free shops.
Customs duties and taxes are payable in rands, the currency
ofSouthAfrica.Paymentcanbemadeincash,bycreditcard
or by means of a bank guaranteed cheque.
Goods that attract duty and do not qualify for the at rate
assessment explained below include:
• Firearmsacquiredabroadoratanyduty-freeshopimportedbyresidentsofSouth
Africa returning after an absence of less than six months.
• Consumablegoodsinexcessofthequantitiesmentionedabove.
• Goodsforcommercialpurposes.
• Goodscarriedonbehalfofotherpersons.
Remodelled, processed, repaired or exchanged goods
In cases where residentsofSouthAfrica who are travelling abroad have had goods
(e.g. jewellery, etc.) re-modelled, processed or repaired, duty is payable on the costs
incurred in these processes. In cases where goods have been exchanged, duty is
payable on the full value of the article received in exchange. These goods may qualify
for the duty-free allowance of R5 000 and the flat-rate assessment.
Returning residents must ensure that the goods in question are clearly described and
that they can provide documentary proof of these transaction(s) and the costs involved.
Option to pay duty at a flat rate of 20%
Travellers have the option to pay Customs duty at a flat rate of 20% on goods acquired
abroad or in any duty-free shop to expedite their passage through Customs. The total
value of these additional goods, new or used, may not exceed R20 000 per person.
Flat-rated goods are also exempted from payment of VAT.