SARS Importers Code

[Weblord]

Just out of interest, is it really necessary to get an importers code when you buy and import many single products for personal use during the course of any year?

I know the law says you must, else you could be slapped a couple of thousands of Rands fine. But, it is a shlep getting one, even if it costs nothing. SARS is not 'user-friendly' in this process.

The reason I am asking, I just checked my eBay account and saw that I actually imported 122 items in 2016 alone. In 2015 I imported 75 items. In 2014 it was 92 items. I was never asked for an import code, never questioned and never got slapped any fine at all.

At what stage will SARS be deciding to give you a fine or ask for an importers code?

 

[Thor]

Delete this thread.
It will bite you in the bottom.

 

[Weblord]

Delete this thread.
It will bite you in the bottom.

I can't delete the thread, but it still is a legitimate question. I do not think the SARS importers code is required for everyone. I collect anything. From old newspapers, magazines, notes, coins, cans, tins, you name it. Yet, despite all the goods I bought and won on auction and imported the past 7 years, never have I been asked for any code nor have I ever been contacted by customs. Just wonder if the code is not applicable to those importing en masse and selling locally....

edit: and there is no way SARS can say they did not know about me. I paid import taxes on a lot of goods last year alone. Probably on 24 items as far as I can see on my payment history to Fedex, UPS and the Post Office.

 

[reactor_sa]

I think for new items of larger value they require an importers code? Either way, if you're using a courier then they have an importers code for clearing, you don't need one.

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

SARS typically ignores the requirement of an importer's code. It is a legal requirement to have an importer's code if you import more than 3 items per year. A friend of ours had his imports held at customs and was then fined 33K in penalties for not having an importers code (he imports a ton of stuff for personal consumption - deliveries arrive every week). The initial penalty was in the 10-20k region and then exploded as he was charged holding fees and levies etc.

Look in the Aramex thread - I posted details on how to get the importers code. It was quite a mission (I eventually got my accountant to do it as it required several round-trips) - but I got it after 4 weeks.

 

[gimpex]

On a related matter , is there somewhere to look up an importer code? I had one personally about 20 years ago and i just read that they are valid indefinitely ..... could come in useful.

 

[johnjm]

What is your source for requiring an importers code? For business it's required but for individuals your ID number is sufficient.

There is no benefit in getting an importers code over an ID if you are paying customs as you should.

 

[Weblord]

What is your source for requiring an importers code? For business it's required but for individuals your ID number is sufficient.

There is no benefit in getting an importers code over an ID if you are paying customs as you should.

John, I think you are correct. I think this law is only applicable to companies and not individuals, although individuals are free to get a code if they wish.

New regulatory requirements have been issued by customs and I just received a notice from MyUS,Fedex and UPS (who does all my shipping) They all are the same:

South African Customs Authority has reinforced the customs regulatory requirements for inbound shipments entering South Africa. The reinforced regulatory requirements are:

All inbound shipments exceeding a value of ZAR 500.00 are considered High Value and require an importer’s code for registered companies, or a South African identification number for a private individual.
Additional paperwork (supplier’s price list and purchase order) may be requested to confirm true and correct value.

So, it seems importers codes are actually only applicable to companies. Private individuals can use an identity number.

Also, as stated above, most couriers use their own importers code to import your product. That may be the reason why all my goods came through without issues. Why would they run around looking for another importer code if they were already provided one and all taxes and duties paid?

 

[Gtx Gaming]

SARS typically ignores the requirement of an importer's code. It is a legal requirement to have an importer's code if you import more than 3 items per year. A friend of ours had his imports held at customs and was then fined 33K in penalties for not having an importers code (he imports a ton of stuff for personal consumption - deliveries arrive every week). The initial penalty was in the 10-20k region and then exploded as he was charged holding fees and levies etc.

Look in the Aramex thread - I posted details on how to get the importers code. It was quite a mission (I eventually got my accountant to do it as it required several round-trips) - but I got it after 4 weeks.

I found it quite easy, through had to wait a long time at SARS.

I took my company documents to SARS in CPT, 3 hours later I was done. They just check documents and then you go on the system.

The system is extremely slow, and it is only 1 person that does it at SARS. I was 5th in line that day for importers code.