Customs clearing - Cape Town

[riscbroker]

I've had a look at a number of threads here related to imports and customs/duty/VAT etc and have gleaned a lot of info. I'd like to hear from someone who has reasonably current experience WRT procedures and costs.

I've imported previously from China and Taiwan, I have an importers number and have always used an independent company for logistics and customs. This is now too expensive for various reasons, so I'm exploring alternatives.

I can get my supplier to ship per air parcel post, I'm led to believe that the maximum weight permitted is 10kg, which will be adequate. Shipping costs will be paid upfront, so I imagine I'll then be liable for import duty and VAT on the value of the shipment (VAT @ 110% of value?) and then the costs of getting the goods from port of entry (Cape Town) to my office.

Is the customs clearance process something that I could undertake myself or would I be advised to utilize a clearing agent? What are the ballpark costs in clearing the goods myself and what would an agent charge to perform this function? Can anyone on the forum suggest an agent in Cape Town with whom I can consult?

 

[Sonic2k]

Document charge on average R750.
The clearing is done electronically on a system so you would need an agent I imagine.
For something like that, I think you can work on R800... my wife does this kind of work, she does my toys I import

 

[riscbroker]

Document charge on average R750.
The clearing is done electronically on a system so you would need an agent I imagine.
For something like that, I think you can work on R800... my wife does this kind of work, she does my toys I import

Thanks Koosi, would that R800 cover all the administrative costs from the agent's perspective? So remaining costs would be duty, VAT and freight from CT to my office?