Plain-English definitions of the shipping, customs, and supply-chain terms you'll encounter when importing or exporting goods through South Africa.
This logistics glossary is maintained by JLog, a full-service third-party logistics company and registered SARS customs clearing agent based in Woodstock, Cape Town. These definitions reflect the terms JLog uses daily when handling e-commerce fulfillment, international shipping, customs clearance, and specialist art and furniture logistics.
A third-party logistics provider handles warehousing, fulfilment, and shipping on behalf of another business. Instead of managing your own warehouse and courier accounts, a 3PL like JLog stores your inventory, picks and packs orders, and dispatches them to your customers. This is especially popular with e-commerce brands that want to scale without investing in their own logistics infrastructure.
JLog E-Commerce FulfilmentAd valorem duty is a customs tax calculated as a percentage of the goods' value. In South Africa, SARS applies ad valorem duties on top of standard customs duty for certain categories of goods, particularly luxury items. The rate is determined by the HS code classification assigned to your product, making accurate classification essential to avoid overpaying.
JLog Customs ClearanceAn air waybill is the contract of carriage between a shipper and an airline for transporting goods by air. Unlike a bill of lading, an AWB is non-negotiable, meaning it cannot be used as a document of title. Each AWB has a unique tracking number used to monitor the shipment from origin airport to destination.
A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by a shipping line that serves as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. It details the cargo, the vessel, the ports of loading and discharge, and the consignee. In South Africa, you need the original B/L to release your goods from the port.
A bonded warehouse is a secure storage facility licensed by SARS where imported goods can be stored without paying customs duties or VAT until the goods are released for consumption. This is useful for businesses that import in bulk and release stock gradually, or for goods in transit to another country. JLog's bonded storage options help clients manage cash flow on large imports.
JLog Customs ClearanceCIF is an Incoterm where the seller pays for the cost of goods, marine insurance, and freight to deliver them to the destination port. Once the goods pass the ship's rail at the port of loading, risk transfers to the buyer. SARS uses the CIF value as the basis for calculating customs duties and VAT on imports into South Africa.
JLog Customs ClearanceA certificate of origin is an official document that certifies the country in which the goods were manufactured or produced. South Africa has trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and SADC FTA, that offer reduced or zero duty rates for goods originating from member countries. A valid certificate of origin is required to claim these preferential rates.
JLog Customs ClearanceClimate-controlled storage maintains consistent temperature and humidity levels to protect sensitive goods from environmental damage. This is essential for fine art, antiques, wine, and certain pharmaceuticals. JLog's Cape Town facility offers climate-controlled storage with temperature monitoring for high-value and fragile consignments.
JLog Art LogisticsA commercial invoice is the primary document used in international trade, issued by the seller to the buyer. It describes the goods, their value, the terms of sale, and payment details. SARS requires a commercial invoice for every import and export clearance, and it forms the basis for duty and VAT calculations.
JLog Customs ClearanceA condition report is a detailed written and photographic record of an item's physical state at a specific point in time. In art and antique logistics, condition reports are created before and after transport to document any pre-existing damage and verify safe delivery. JLog provides condition reporting as standard for all fine art and high-value shipments.
JLog Art LogisticsA consignment refers to a batch of goods delivered to a carrier for transport, or goods sent to an agent for sale on the owner's behalf. In logistics, each consignment is assigned a unique tracking number and may contain multiple parcels or items shipped together under one waybill.
A customs broker is a licensed professional who facilitates the clearance of goods through customs on behalf of importers and exporters. In South Africa, customs brokers must be registered with SARS and are responsible for preparing and submitting declarations, calculating duties, and ensuring regulatory compliance. JLog is a registered SARS customs clearing agent.
JLog Customs ClearanceA customs clearing agent is the South African term for a licensed customs broker registered with SARS. They handle the entire import and export clearance process, including tariff classification, duty payment, document preparation, and liaison with SARS officials. Working with an experienced clearing agent prevents costly delays and penalties at the border.
JLog Customs ClearanceA customs declaration is a formal statement submitted to SARS detailing the goods being imported or exported, their value, origin, and HS code classification. In South Africa, the primary customs declaration form is the SAD500. Incorrect or incomplete declarations can result in fines, delays, or seizure of goods.
JLog Customs ClearanceDangerous goods (DG) are materials or items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. They are classified into nine UN hazard classes, including flammables, corrosives, and lithium batteries. Shipping dangerous goods requires special packaging, labelling, documentation, and carrier approval, regardless of whether they travel by air, sea, or road.
Demurrage is a charge levied when a shipping container is not returned to the port or depot within the agreed free period after arrival. In South African ports, demurrage charges can escalate rapidly, often reaching thousands of rands per day. Prompt customs clearance and efficient collection are essential to avoid these costs.
JLog Customs ClearanceDoor-to-door shipping means the logistics provider handles the entire journey from the sender's premises to the recipient's address, including collection, customs clearance, line-haul transport, and final delivery. JLog offers door-to-door services for both domestic South African deliveries and international shipments.
JLog Furniture ShippingDuty drawback is a refund of customs duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or used in the manufacture of exported products. South African businesses can claim drawbacks through SARS under specific rebate items in the Customs and Excise Act. This reduces costs for companies that re-export or process imported materials.
JLog Customs ClearanceEx Works is an Incoterm where the seller makes goods available at their premises, and the buyer bears all costs and risks of transport from that point onwards. This includes loading, inland freight, export clearance, shipping, import clearance, and delivery. EXW gives buyers maximum control but also maximum responsibility.
FOB is an Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment and clears them for export. Once the goods are loaded, the buyer assumes all costs and risks, including freight, insurance, and import clearance. FOB is one of the most commonly used terms in international sea freight.
A freight forwarder is a company that organises the shipment of goods on behalf of importers and exporters. They coordinate between carriers, customs brokers, warehouses, and other parties in the supply chain. JLog operates as a freight forwarder specialising in high-value, fragile, and oversized cargo across South Africa and internationally.
A fumigation certificate confirms that wooden packaging materials (crates, pallets, dunnage) have been treated to eliminate pests, as required by the international ISPM 15 standard. Many countries, including South Africa, require fumigation certificates for all wood packaging in imported cargo. Non-compliance can result in cargo being held at the port or returned.
JLog Furniture ShippingAn HS code is a standardised numerical classification for traded products, used by customs authorities worldwide. South Africa uses 8-digit HS codes to determine the applicable duty rate, VAT treatment, and any trade restrictions on imports and exports. Accurate HS code classification is critical as it directly affects the duties you pay and whether your goods clear customs smoothly.
JLog HS Code Lookup ToolIncoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of 11 standardised trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions, including who pays for transport, insurance, and customs clearance, and where risk transfers. The current version is Incoterms 2020, with common terms including EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP.
JLog Customs ClearanceISPM 15 is an international phytosanitary standard that regulates the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade. All solid wood packaging must be heat-treated or fumigated and stamped with the ISPM 15 compliance mark. This is mandatory for furniture crating and palletised cargo shipped from or to South Africa.
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Landed cost is the total price of a product once it has arrived at the buyer's door, including the purchase price, shipping, customs duties, VAT, insurance, and any handling fees. Understanding your landed cost is essential for accurate pricing and margin calculations. JLog helps importers calculate landed costs before committing to a shipment.
JLog Customs ClearanceLast mile delivery is the final leg of the shipping process, from the local distribution hub to the recipient's address. It is often the most expensive and complex part of the supply chain due to residential access challenges, scheduling requirements, and the need for careful handling. JLog's own fleet handles last mile delivery in the Cape Town metro area.
JLog White Glove DeliveryA letter of credit (L/C) is a financial instrument issued by a bank guaranteeing that a seller will receive payment as long as the terms and conditions of the credit are met. It provides security in international trade by ensuring the buyer's bank will pay the seller upon presentation of compliant shipping documents. Letters of credit are common in high-value or first-time trade transactions.
A manifest is a comprehensive document listing all cargo carried on a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle. It includes details such as consignee names, descriptions of goods, quantities, and weights. Carriers submit manifests to customs authorities before arrival, and SARS uses them to verify that all goods have been properly declared and cleared.
Museum-grade packing refers to the highest standard of protective packaging for fine art, antiques, and irreplaceable objects. It typically involves acid-free tissue, custom foam inserts, climate-buffering materials, and double-walled crating. JLog uses museum-grade packing methods developed for gallery and auction house shipments.
JLog Art LogisticsA packing list is a document that accompanies a shipment and details the contents of each package, including item descriptions, quantities, weights, and dimensions. Customs authorities use the packing list alongside the commercial invoice to verify the shipment. An accurate packing list speeds up both customs clearance and warehouse receiving.
JLog Customs ClearancePick, pack, and ship is the warehouse fulfilment process where items are picked from inventory, packed securely for transport, and handed to a courier for delivery. This is the core workflow for e-commerce order fulfilment. JLog's fulfilment service handles pick, pack, and ship for online retailers, including branded packaging and same-day dispatch.
JLog E-Commerce FulfilmentA port of entry is any location where goods and travellers may legally enter a country under customs supervision. South Africa's main ports of entry include Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg (OR Tambo), and Port Elizabeth. The port of entry determines which SARS branch processes your customs declaration and can affect transit times and costs.
JLog Customs ClearanceQuarantine in logistics refers to the holding of goods at the border for inspection by health, agricultural, or biosecurity authorities. In South Africa, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) may quarantine plant-based products, food, or goods with wooden packaging that lack proper phytosanitary treatment. Quarantine delays can be avoided with correct documentation and ISPM 15 compliance.
JLog Customs ClearanceReverse logistics is the process of moving goods from the customer back to the seller or warehouse, including returns, repairs, recycling, and disposal. A well-managed reverse logistics process improves customer satisfaction and recovers value from returned products. JLog's returns management service handles the full reverse logistics workflow for e-commerce merchants.
JLog E-Commerce FulfilmentThe SAD500 (Single Administrative Document) is the official customs declaration form used in South Africa for both imports and exports. It captures details about the goods, their value, origin, HS code classification, and the applicable duties and taxes. The SAD500 is submitted electronically to SARS and must be accurate to avoid penalties or cargo delays.
JLog Customs ClearanceSARS is the government body responsible for collecting revenue and administering customs and excise in South Africa. All imports and exports must be declared to SARS, and customs duties and VAT are collected by SARS at the border. JLog works directly with SARS as a registered customs clearing agent to ensure compliant clearance for every shipment.
JLog Customs ClearanceSea freight is the transport of goods by ocean-going vessels, either in shipping containers (FCL or LCL) or as breakbulk cargo. It is the most cost-effective method for shipping large or heavy consignments internationally. Transit times from South Africa to Europe are typically 18–22 days, and to North America 25–30 days.
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. In South Africa, tariffs are set according to the HS code classification of each product and published in the Customs and Excise tariff schedule. Tariff rates vary from 0% to over 45% depending on the product category and country of origin.
JLog HS Code Lookup ToolTemporary import or export allows goods to enter or leave a country for a limited period without paying full customs duties, provided they will be returned. Common uses include exhibition pieces, touring artworks, film equipment, and trade show samples. In South Africa, temporary permits are arranged through SARS with a specified return date and security deposit.
JLog Art LogisticsTransit insurance covers goods against loss or damage while being transported from one location to another. It can cover individual shipments or be arranged as an annual policy. JLog recommends transit insurance for all international and high-value domestic shipments, as carrier liability is often limited to a fraction of the goods' actual value.
South Africa charges 15% VAT on most imported goods, calculated on the customs value plus any duties payable. Import VAT is collected by SARS at the point of entry and must be paid before goods are released. Registered VAT vendors can claim this import VAT back as an input tax credit on their next VAT return.
JLog Customs ClearanceA warehouse management system (WMS) is software that controls and optimises warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping. A good WMS provides real-time inventory visibility, reduces picking errors, and speeds up order fulfilment. JLog's platform includes WMS functionality with live stock levels, low-stock alerts, and ShipHero integration.
JLog E-Commerce FulfilmentWhite glove delivery is a premium service where trained handlers deliver items inside the recipient's home or office, unpack them, place them in the desired location, and remove all packaging. It is standard for fine art, designer furniture, and fragile antiques. JLog's white glove service includes floor-level placement, assembly where required, and packaging removal.
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Actual weight is how much a parcel weighs on a scale. Volumetric weight is calculated from the parcel's dimensions (length × width × height ÷ 5000 for couriers). Carriers charge whichever is greater — this is called the chargeable weight. Large, lightweight items like furniture often have a volumetric weight far exceeding actual weight.
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight — an Incoterm meaning the seller pays for freight and insurance to the destination port. In South Africa, SARS uses the CIF value at the port of entry to calculate import duties and VAT. If your invoice is FOB or EXW, you need to add freight and insurance to get the CIF value.
A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier that serves as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. For sea freight, the original B/L is required to release cargo at the destination port. For air freight, the equivalent is an air waybill (AWB), which is not a document of title.
Customs clearance is the process of getting goods through a country's customs authority for import or export. In South Africa, this involves submitting a customs declaration to SARS, providing commercial invoices and packing lists, paying applicable duties and VAT, and receiving release of goods. A registered customs clearing agent like JLog handles this process.
FOB stands for Free On Board — an Incoterm meaning the seller delivers goods loaded onto the vessel at the port of origin. From that point, the buyer is responsible for freight, insurance, and all costs. FOB is commonly used in sea freight and means the invoice value excludes shipping costs, so freight must be added when calculating CIF for customs.