Importing problems

[WildPikachu]

Things have definitely changed since I last used my importers permit to clear my businesses orders.

Can someone maybe clearly explain to me the following...

1. If Cape Mail asks for my personal hobby orders from a hobby shop in china to be cleared , tells me I need a code and tells me to go to a clearing agent .... what can I do myself to save money? I'm not going to debate the entire story, but I had a long talk to the SARS customs officer and she released most of my orders except one that is still en-route. The clearing agent wants to charge me about R450 to clear something which cost me like $25.

2. If I want to import electronics for my business to sell in South Africa, what is the procedure there?


-Wild

[Madman88]

First you need to register as an importer with Sars. It costs about R200. Otherwise you may not bring in more than 2 or 3 shipments a year valuing not more than R20k

Then you either need to use someone like dhl to bring it in, you can pay them the clearing fee's, or you need to find a clearing agent that will charge you a decent price (good luck). You can clear it yourself but its definitely better/simpler/not worth a ulcer/easier to get an agent.

[WildPikachu]

The clearing agent told me that its now mandatory to use a clearing agent. You cannot clear it yourself anymore since about 2yr ago.

Are these the two forms I need to fill in?
DA185 - Application form: Registration/Licensing of Customs and Excise Clients
DA 185.4A1 - Registration Client Type 4A1- Importer

[Madman88]

The clearing agent told me that its now mandatory to use a clearing agent. You cannot clear it yourself anymore since about 2yr ago.

Are these the two forms I need to fill in?
DA185 - Application form: Registration/Licensing of Customs and Excise Clients
DA 185.4A1 - Registration Client Type 4A1- Importer

well he's kinda right. you have to be licensed or authorised or whatever, it just means more money for sars. I know some people who have done that, but they bring in big things quite often and the pain was worth it for them...

Those are the forms you need to fill in.

[WildPikachu]

OK ... this is making ALOT more sense than the +-1hr convo I had with the clearing agent.

OK, so registering as a licensed clearing agent is not worth my while. Understood.

I cannot find on the forms where I put in what I"m importing?

Also, does the clearing agent need a copy of my import permit?

[Madman88]

OK ... this is making ALOT more sense than the +-1hr convo I had with the clearing agent.

OK, so registering as a licensed clearing agent is not worth my while. Understood.

I cannot find on the forms where I put in what I"m importing?

Also, does the clearing agent need a copy of my import permit?

Those forms are for your importers license. You don't put what you're importing on them. It just so that sars can track your imports. Once you have it you can bring in whatever. Once its done (it takes about 6 weeks) you get a number. Thats your importers number. You give that to the clearing agent and they go through the process of clearing the goods.

[WildPikachu]

And all imports need to be cleared by a clearing agent at the airport, even if its sitting at cape mail?