Registering as an importer

The_Ogre

The_Ogre

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Hi all

So I've come to import things quite frequently and someone said it would make more sense if I register as an importer.

I've got the form from SARS, but I'm not sure what to complete under "Clearance of Imports" - link to the form .

Anybody have experience with this?
 
I ticked the "self" box.

Remember takes around 2-3hours in town, to do this. Normally not much people in this line, but systems are always slow.

First they will check all your documents, and let you know if need something else.

Then they process it.

Then you wait hours for them to call you back and give you ref number. Then you are done.

Hopefully by know the process is faster, this was a few years back.
 
Gtx Gaming said:
I ticked the "self" box.

Remember takes around 2-3hours in town, to do this. Normally not much people in this line, but systems are always slow.

First they will check all your documents, and let you know if need something else.

Then they process it.

Then you wait hours for them to call you back and give you ref number. Then you are done.

Hopefully by know the process is faster, this was a few years back.
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Thanks! Is it not possible to mail the forms to them? I don't have the time to go and stand in a queue...in town :(
 
YingYang said:
Thanks! Is it not possible to mail the forms to them? I don't have the time to go and stand in a queue...in town :(
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No sars does not work like that.

You can have company do it for you, the cost is insane! Think it was R1600 lol. Considering it cost nothing to register as importer.
 
Gtx Gaming said:
No sars does not work like that.

You can have company do it for you, the cost is insane! Think it was R1600 lol. Considering it cost nothing to register as importer.
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Eish, I'll need to then go on a day I'm on leave.
 
Gtx Gaming said:
Yeah indeed i took a day off.

Btw I think need a tax clearance to apply also. Not 100% sure.
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Well, I think they worked out tax clearance certificates a while ago, but if so, then he is going to be at the right place to get one.
 
I did this exercise last year and boy let me tell you, you'll need a few days off at least.

Waiting in line is the worst part as there are only 2 or 3 consultants on hand at a time. After a few hours and you eventually get to the front be prepared to get sent back for some silly reason like the wording on the document being incorrect and the like.

Once you've eventually gotten the documents correct you get assigned a number for that day, only 6 per day so if you're not there like super early don't even bother.

Once this has been checked and they're happy you wait for your importer code which takes about a week or two.

It took me a about a week of running back and forth to get my code, boy let me tell you I'd gladly pay R1600...
 
Grateful to have found this thread! Phew!
So as I understand when importing you will always have to register with SARS but you dont always need an Import permit from ITAC.
How can I find out if I need an import permit or not?
Also if it is a pain to get register with SARS as an importer can anyone recommend a company that is legit and can assist with this? TIA!
 
Whatzmyname said:
Grateful to have found this thread! Phew!
So as I understand when importing you will always have to register with SARS but you dont always need an Import permit from ITAC.
How can I find out if I need an import permit or not?
Also if it is a pain to get register with SARS as an importer can anyone recommend a company that is legit and can assist with this? TIA!
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As far as I know you can use a generic import code once or twice. However if you plan to do it regularly you most definitely need to register. If you don't want to register any logistic company (the smaller ones are much more helpful) can assist you with the paperwork.
 
Did this two years ago, paid R1500 filled in a few forms and then got everything sent to me. No hassle.
 
Ah for the good old days.......1989 went to PTA mid morning, got import export number and GST, registered name and some other bits and pieces , all x 2 companies, and went for an early lunch !!
 
dunkyd said:
Ah for the good old days.......1989 went to PTA mid morning, got import export number and GST, registered name and some other bits and pieces , all x 2 companies, and went for an early lunch !!
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Despite giving TNT my import number, a gift from family in UK, an LED light for arthritis which was valued at $100 , they have sent me an invoice for R1000.00 for VAT etc ?????????
Can I just send it back?
 
dunkyd said:
Despite giving TNT my import number, a gift from family in UK, an LED light for arthritis which was valued at $100 , they have sent me an invoice for R1000.00 for VAT etc ?????????
Can I just send it back?
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TNT charges like R450 just to clear the parcel no matter the value most of the time.
 
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