Guide: How to get your importers code

[Swa]

So someone posted this link from the DHL website: https://dhlguide.co.za/faq/need-register-customs-client-importer-exporter/
I called DHL today and spoke to someone in the customs clearing department. The lady told me that there is no limit on how many orders you can do, but there is a 150k limit per year.
She did also mention that gifts, anyone sending you items from overseas, is currently limited to 3 imports per year.

Does anyone know if the rules were amended at some stage?

They were but not in the way the agent says if I read them correctly. There's still the 3 items limit and not only for gifts. The 150k is total irrespective of how much at a time but you're hampered here in any case by exchange control which limits you to R50k per transaction that you're not allowed to split up into separate payments.

But if the courier doesn't care then chances are SARS will be none the wiser. It's the couriers enforcing it on an individual level.

https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Legal/SecLegis/LSec-RA-2020-11-Notice-R825-GG43569-Rule-59A.03-relating-to-the-use-of-registration-code-70707070-31-July-2020.pdf

If I read it correctly it amended the use of registration code 70707070 but the 3 item limit wasn't recalled.

 

[Swa]

I phoned SARS for the 4th time this afternoon and finally got someone on the phone that seemed to know what they are talking about. For Customs they will only accept a utility bill or lease agreement or a proof of residence from your local councillor. I emailed my councillor and they said they will be able to make me one, so holding thumbs they come back to me without me needing to chase them down to much.

So what if one takes a bill and just change the name? Easy enough to do with it being a pdf download.

 

[airborne]

So what if one takes a bill and just change the name? Easy enough to do with it being a pdf download.

It will probably work, if you don’t mind playing around with fraud and SARS be my guest...
The proof of residence I got from the councillor worked perfectly no hassles from SARS when I submitted it.

 

[blunt]

anyone ordered on SHEIN with an importers code, do you just put it in where it asks for your South African ID?

 

[airborne]

anyone ordered on SHEIN with an importers code, do you just put it in where it asks for your South African ID?

Thats the way it’s done on my websites.
Remember 45% duties + vat on clothes

 

[UB40]

You will always pay 15% VAT no matter what

 

[Swa]

You will always pay 15% VAT no matter what

16.5% when importing.

 

[UB40]

16.5% when importing.

Ah yes, I forgot, thanx

 

[blunt]

Thats the way it’s done on my websites.
Remember 45% duties + vat on clothes

Is this the same wether using importers code or just regular SA ID?

 

[Mirai]

Is this the same wether using importers code or just regular SA ID?

SA police state "importer's code" does not affect how much VAT or duty you will pay. It may however increase the spam as it did for me to various "customs clearance" seminars, since I got mine in 2010 I had these pop up in my mailbox.

 

[airborne]

Is this the same wether using importers code or just regular SA ID?

Same