Importing to Durban Port - Help a First Timer

[patel8786]

I'm importing 2 cubic meters (5 woven bags) from China to Durban Port. Shipping is CFR.

What do I need to do to pick up the goods? Is it a must to use a clearing agent?
What fees can I expect to pay besides vat and Sars duty?

 

[Venomous]

Depending the goods there can be import duties in addition to the Vat and assessment fees

 

[patel8786]

So the items are duty free. I'm more concerned about what do I need to do to get it out of the port and what charges can I expect from the port?

 

[itareanlnotani]

You will need a clearance agent.
You will need to pay any duties and taxes (based on the HS code for the goods).

Go speak to some clearance agents. Fee's can be variable, so speak to at least 3.
If your item(s) get stuck at customs or pulled for a customs check expect additional fee's on top.

 

[The Free Radical]

You will need a clearance agent.
You will need to pay any duties and taxes (based on the HS code for the goods).

Go speak to some clearance agents. Fee's can be variable, so speak to at least 3.
If your item(s) get stuck at customs or pulled for a customs check expect additional fee's on top.

^
this

 

[Merlin]

I managed to handle an import on my own a few years back. It was a pallet of classic car spares.

It took many phone calls for assistance and several weeks to finalize everything. With sea shipping, the entire process ended up taking me about six months. The industry is not geared towards private importation, at all. Honestly, if I had to do it again, I would find the money to get professional help.

If you do plod along on your own, be ready to collect your goods as soon as you're notified. Bonded warehouse storage fees will kill you, very quickly.

Also, when collecting your goods from the bonded warehouse, they may be sticky and enforce having a reflective safety vest. Something small, but when you're metres from your goods and they don't want to allow you to collect...

 

[bromster]

Last time I imported to Durban I found Elite Clearing and forwarding to be the cheapest, and had no issues.

They handled everything and delivered to my premises in Joburg.