JLog is a SARS-registered customs clearing agent in Cape Town, providing import and export customs clearance, duty calculations, and documentation management through our proprietary technology platform. We specialise in clearing art, furniture, wine, and high-value goods — but handle everything from personal imports to large commercial shipments.
JLog (JetLog Pty Ltd) is a licensed customs clearing agent operating from Woodstock, Cape Town. We handle HS tariff code classification, duty and VAT calculations, SARS customs declarations, import permits, export documentation, ATA Carnets for art fairs, and SAHRA compliance for heritage items. Our automated customs tracking platform provides real-time visibility into every clearance.
Whether you're importing furniture from Italy or exporting artwork to New York, every shipment follows the same core process. Here's what happens — and how long each step typically takes.
We collect all required documentation from you or your supplier: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air), and any permits or certificates of origin. JLog's document management system tracks every file and flags anything missing before it causes a delay.
Day 1 — before vessel/flight arrivesEvery product must be classified under the correct Harmonised System (HS) tariff code. This determines the duty rate. Getting it wrong means overpaying, underpaying (which attracts penalties), or clearance delays. JLog classifies your goods accurately and calculates the exact duties and VAT payable so you know your landed cost upfront.
Same day — typically within hoursWe prepare and submit the customs declaration (SAD500 for imports, or the relevant export form) electronically to SARS. This includes all line items, tariff codes, values, and supporting documentation. Our system monitors the submission status in real time and alerts us immediately if SARS requests additional information or flags the shipment.
Within 24 hours of document receiptOnce SARS assesses the declaration, the duties and VAT become payable. JLog handles the payment process on your behalf and provides a detailed breakdown of all charges. For VAT-registered businesses, the import VAT is claimable as input VAT on your next return. We provide all the supporting documentation you need for your accountant.
Same day as SARS assessmentAfter duties are paid and SARS is satisfied with the documentation, they release the goods. If the shipment has been selected for physical inspection, this step may take an additional 2–5 business days. JLog monitors every release in real time and coordinates with the port, airport, or container depot to arrange collection as soon as the goods are cleared.
1–3 business days (standard) | 3–7 days (if inspected)Once released, we arrange delivery to your warehouse, shop, or home. JLog operates its own 3PL warehouse in Woodstock, Cape Town — so we can receive, store, and distribute your goods from a single facility. For fragile and high-value items, we offer white-glove delivery with custom crating and careful handling.
1–2 business days (Cape Town) | 2–4 days (national)Before we can clear your goods through SARS, we need the following documents. Missing paperwork is the number one cause of clearance delays — so gather these early.
Commercial Invoice — 4 copies plus 1 original. Must show the seller, buyer, description of goods, quantities, unit prices, currency, and Incoterms. This is the primary document SARS uses to determine the value of your goods for duty calculation.
Packing List — Details the contents of each package, carton, or crate. Must include dimensions, weights, and item descriptions. Essential for HS code classification and for SARS inspections.
Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Airway Bill (air freight) — The shipping document issued by the carrier confirming the goods are on board. This is your proof of shipment and is required by SARS to match the cargo to the customs declaration.
Import Permit (if applicable) — Certain goods require import permits from specific government departments. Examples include food products (DALRRD), pharmaceuticals (SAHPRA), firearms (SAPS), and certain chemicals. JLog advises you upfront if your goods require a permit.
Certificate of Origin (if applicable) — Required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements such as AGOA (USA), EU-SADC EPA (Europe), or the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area). Without it, you pay the standard (higher) duty rate.
SARS Customs Client Number (RCG) — Every importer and exporter needs a customs registration with SARS. If you don't have one yet, JLog can assist with the registration process — it typically takes 5–10 business days.
JLog offers end-to-end customs clearing services for importers and exporters across Cape Town and South Africa. From a single personal shipment to ongoing commercial clearing — we handle it all.
Full import customs clearance for commercial and personal goods arriving in Cape Town by air, sea, or road. We handle documentation, SARS declarations, duty payment, and release coordination.
Export customs clearing for goods leaving South Africa. We prepare export declarations, arrange export permits where required, and ensure full SARS compliance for every outbound shipment.
Accurate duty and VAT calculations before your shipment arrives. We also identify legitimate duty savings through trade agreements, rebate provisions, and correct tariff classification — so you never overpay.
Every product needs the correct Harmonised System tariff code. Incorrect classification leads to overpayment, underpayment, penalties, or seizure. JLog ensures accurate HS classification for every line item in your shipment.
First-time importer or exporter? We help you register for a SARS customs client number (RCG), including preparing the DA185 form and supporting documentation. Typical turnaround: 5–10 business days.
For goods entering South Africa temporarily — exhibition equipment, trade show samples, film gear, or tools. We handle the permit applications and ensure the goods are re-exported within the permitted timeframe to avoid duty liability.
As the official logistics carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, JLog has deep expertise in ATA Carnet handling. We manage the full Carnet process for galleries and exhibitors bringing goods into and out of South Africa duty-free for temporary display.
We see these mistakes regularly — and they cost importers time and money. Here's what to watch out for.
Using the wrong tariff code is the most expensive mistake. It can mean overpaying duty by thousands of rands, or worse — underpaying and facing SARS penalties, fines, and potential seizure of goods. Always use a qualified clearing agent for HS classification.
A missing commercial invoice, incomplete packing list, or unsigned bill of lading will stop your clearance cold. SARS won't process a declaration with missing documents. The result: your goods sit at the port or airport, accumulating storage charges, while you chase paperwork.
Some importers declare a lower value to reduce duty. SARS actively monitors for undervaluation using international pricing databases. If caught, you'll face penalties of up to 20% of the goods' value, additional duty, and possible criminal prosecution for customs fraud.
Returning residents and immigrants often don't realise that personal effects have specific customs procedures and rebate provisions. Declaring personal goods as commercial imports means paying full duty on items that could have entered duty-free with the right paperwork.
Exporting artwork, antiques, or cultural objects from South Africa without a SAHRA permit can result in seizure at the border. The South African Heritage Resources Agency requires export permits for artworks and heritage items that meet certain age and significance criteria. Plan 2–4 weeks ahead.
Most customs brokers in Cape Town operate with spreadsheets and email. JLog runs on a proprietary technology platform that automates the customs clearance process and gives you real-time visibility into every shipment.
Every clearance is tracked from document receipt to goods release. You see exactly where your shipment is in the customs process — no need to call or email for updates.
Get notified the moment SARS processes your declaration, when duties are assessed, if an inspection is flagged, and when goods are released. No more waiting in the dark.
All your customs documents — invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, declarations — are stored, organised, and accessible in one place. No more digging through email threads.
Our platform calculates duties and VAT automatically based on HS codes, goods values, and applicable trade agreements. You get an accurate landed cost estimate before your goods even arrive.
Declarations are submitted electronically and responses from SARS are processed automatically. This reduces human error, speeds up clearance times, and ensures every submission is audit-ready.
Customs clearance fees typically range from R750 to R2,500 per shipment for standard imports, depending on complexity and the number of line items. On top of the clearing agent's fee, you'll pay import duties (determined by the HS code of your goods) and 15% VAT on the total customs value (goods + freight + insurance + duty). JLog provides transparent, upfront quotes so you know your total landed cost before the shipment arrives. Get a free quote.
Standard customs clearance takes 1–3 business days from the time all documents are submitted. If SARS selects the shipment for physical inspection, this can add 2–5 additional business days. Air freight through Cape Town International Airport is typically faster than sea freight through Cape Town Harbour. JLog's automated platform tracks every step and provides real-time status updates so you always know where your shipment is.
For most personal imports above the duty-free threshold (currently R500 for postal imports and R5,000 for accompanied goods), you'll need customs clearance. While you can technically self-clear through SARS, using a licensed customs broker like JLog ensures correct HS code classification, accurate duty calculation, and proper documentation — avoiding delays, overpayment, or penalties. For high-value personal imports like furniture, artwork, or vehicles, professional clearing is strongly recommended.
Import duties are determined by the HS tariff code of your goods. Rates vary widely: clothing can attract duties of 40–45%, electronics are often 0–15%, and furniture ranges from 10–30%. In addition to duty, 15% VAT is charged on the customs value (goods value + freight + insurance + duty). Some goods may also attract anti-dumping duties or safeguard levies. JLog calculates exact duties before your shipment arrives so there are no surprises.
You apply through SARS eFiling by submitting a DA185 registration form along with your company registration documents, tax clearance certificate, and proof of address. The process takes 5–10 business days. You need this number (also called an RCG) to import or export commercially in South Africa. JLog assists first-time importers and exporters with the full registration process — contact us to get started.
The VAT rate on imports is 15%. VAT is calculated on the total customs value: goods value + international freight + insurance + any import duties. For example, if your goods are worth R100,000, freight is R15,000, insurance R1,500, and duty R20,000, the VAT payable is 15% of R136,500 = R20,475. VAT-registered businesses can claim this back as input VAT on their next return.
Yes. JLog is the official logistics carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and regularly handles ATA Carnets for galleries bringing artwork into and out of South Africa for exhibitions. An ATA Carnet allows temporary import/export without paying duties or VAT, provided the goods leave the country within the specified period. We manage the full Carnet process including documentation, customs submissions, and re-export compliance.
If SARS selects your shipment for physical inspection (known as a ‘stop’), the goods are held at the port or airport until a SARS inspector examines them. This can add 2–5 business days. JLog monitors all inspections in real time through our customs tracking platform, coordinates with SARS on your behalf, and ensures all required documentation is available to speed up the release. We keep you informed at every step via our live status dashboard.
A customs broker (clearing agent) specialises in customs declarations — preparing documentation, classifying goods, calculating duties, and submitting declarations to SARS. A freight forwarder arranges the physical transport of goods by air, sea, or road. Many importers need both. JLog operates as both a SARS-registered customs clearing agent and a freight forwarder, handling the entire process from origin to final delivery in Cape Town under one roof.
If the artwork is by a South African artist and meets certain age and significance thresholds, you may need a SAHRA (South African Heritage Resources Agency) export permit. This applies to artworks, antiques, and cultural objects considered part of South Africa's national heritage. The permit process takes 2–4 weeks. JLog advises on SAHRA requirements as part of our export clearance process and can assist with the application to avoid delays at customs.
Need customs clearance in Cape Town? Tell us about your shipment and we'll provide a clear, upfront quote within 24 hours. No hidden fees, no surprises.
SARS-registered clearing agent · Licensed · 7+ years experience · Transparent pricing