Import and export restrictions and prohibitions in South Africa
In order to encourage fair trade and to care for her citizens’ health and safety, the South African government monitors the import and export of certain goods. It does this by imposing regulations which are either restrictions or prohibitions depending on the type of good. In some cases, goods for import may be regulated, but not goods for export. The inverse can also be true.
Countries differ in what they consider a restricted or prohibited product for cross-border trade. For instance, second-hand clothing or narcotics might be restricted by one country, but allowed by another. It is therefore essential to know what regulations apply to your business venture. The following descriptions refer to South African trade regulations.
About prohibited goods
South African customs defines prohibited goods as goods that may not cross the South African border in either direction. Trying to do so could result in severe penalties, including possible criminal charges.
The following are examples of prohibited products for import:
- Selected firearms, military weapons
- Selected explosives and fireworks
- Narcotics and habit-forming drugs
- Poisons and toxic substances
- Cigarettes (above a certain mass)
- Counterfeits
- Products made in prisons
- Illicit copies of works still under copyright
- Most second-hand clothing categories
About restricted goods
Products regulated by import or export permits in South Africa are called restricted goods. The quantity or quality of the product is controlled by the permit. The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) or the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulate quantity (volume) permits. Various South African government departments oversee the quality permit conditions.
Some examples of restricted imports in South Africa are gambling apparatus, second-hand products, agricultural products, animal products, medicines, tyres, certain electrical apparatus, cellphones, fuel, medicines and fertilizers.
Used goods: An import permit is required in order to import used or second-hand products (including refurbished items), the exception being where the importer can show that the products are actually personal effects, e.g. in the case of immigration, where household possessions enter the country.
Certain goods may need to undergo sampling and testing before an import permit is issued. For instance, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) may be asked to assess a product for safety. In this case, the import permit is only issued after the SABS approves the product as safe.
Below are our lookup guides which contain items that are prohibited or restricted by South Africa. Our office is able to obtain most permits on your behalf
Get an import or export permit
A comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted exports and imports is published routinely by South African customs. The list categorises products according to universal HS Tariff codes as set out in the Tariff Book. Below is an exert from the imported regulated items list which displays 3 main sections namely:
Heading: the product’s HS code or tariff code reference.
Article Description: description of products from the tariff book.
Prohibition or Restriction: Lists the prohibitions or restrictions and the regulatory body/authority that monitors the import and/or export of products.
Figure 1 displays an extract from the lists given above.
Here are links to the current South African customs prohibited and restricted lists:
There are serious implications if restrictions are not obeyed or permits are not obtained. Restricted products will not be allowed to enter or exit South Africa if the trader does not have a valid permit. Storage costs are for the trader’s tab should South African customs be required to store the products for the time taken to get the required permit. Documentation errors will result in delayed clearance at customs leading to business losses as products are not available. Being cognizant of relevant restrictions and ensuring you have the correct permits prior to clearance at South African customs is therefore imperative.
