Export Logistics
Ship goods from South Africa to 220+ countries worldwide. FedEx, DHL, sea freight, and specialist carriers — with in-house customs clearance handled by Cape Town's registered SARS clearing agent.
JLog provides international shipping services from Cape Town, South Africa to 100+ countries worldwide via FedEx, DHL, and specialist freight handlers. As a registered SARS customs clearing agent, JLog handles all export documentation, HS code classification, and customs procedures in-house, ensuring smooth door-to-door delivery for art, furniture, e-commerce orders, and general cargo.
The Process
From first contact to delivery at the destination, every step is managed under one JLog reference number with a single point of contact throughout.
We collect from your premises across the Western Cape, or you can drop goods at our Woodstock facility. A full intake record and condition report is completed before anything moves.
Goods are packed to international transit standards — standard cartons, foam-lined boxes, or custom timber crates depending on the item. ISPM 15 compliant wooden packaging where required.
As a registered SARS customs clearing agent, we prepare all export documentation in-house — SAD500, commercial invoice, packing list, and any specialist permits required.
We select the optimal carrier — FedEx, DHL, sea freight, or a specialist service — based on the goods, destination, urgency, and budget. Real-time tracking from Cape Town to delivery.
International shipping from South Africa involves more moving parts than a domestic delivery. Customs declarations must be lodged electronically with SARS before goods leave the country. Carriers require accurate packing lists, correctly classified HS codes, and commercial invoices that match the physical shipment exactly. At the destination, import duties are calculated on the declared value, the HS code, and the country of origin — errors at any of these points cause delays, additional costs, or confiscation at the border.
JLog manages every element of this process in-house. Our operations team handles the customs paperwork. Our packing team prepares goods to carrier specifications. Our commercial relationships with FedEx and DHL provide volume-discounted rates that individual shippers cannot access independently. The result is a seamless export — one contact, one tracking number, one invoice.
Whether you are an e-commerce business shipping orders to customers worldwide, a gallery exporting artworks to a collector in New York, or a company sending product samples to a distributor in Germany, the process is the same: tell us what you need to ship, where it needs to go, and by when. We handle the rest.
Carriers
JLog works with the world's leading international carriers as well as specialist services for specific cargo types. We select the right carrier for every shipment — not the most convenient one.
FedEx's global network connects Cape Town to 220+ countries with two main service tiers. FedEx International Priority delivers in 2-5 business days to most major destinations, with door-to-door tracking and money-back guarantees on selected lanes. FedEx International Economy delivers in 5-8 business days at significantly lower rates — ideal for non-urgent shipments where cost matters more than speed.
DHL's South African network is particularly strong for commercial shipments to Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. DHL Express Worldwide delivers in 2-5 business days with detailed shipment tracking. DHL's rate structure differs from FedEx by destination — for some lanes and parcel sizes, DHL is meaningfully cheaper. JLog always quotes both carriers and recommends the best option for your specific shipment.
For large, heavy, or bulky shipments where air freight costs are prohibitive, sea freight is the cost-effective alternative. Transit times are 2-6 weeks depending on the route, but costs per kilogram are dramatically lower than air. JLog handles both Full Container Load (FCL) for businesses shipping enough volume to fill a 20- or 40-foot container, and Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller consignments that share container space with other shippers.
Some cargo requires carriers with specific certifications or equipment. JLog arranges climate-controlled air and sea freight for wine and temperature-sensitive goods, art-specific carriers for museum-quality transit with crate-to-crate tracking, and oversized freight handlers for furniture, industrial machinery, and large-format items that exceed standard carrier size limits. For Dangerous Goods (IATA-classified), we prepare all required documentation and use certified carriers with hazmat handling capability.
Documentation
JLog is a registered SARS customs clearing agent. All export documentation is prepared in-house — no third-party brokers, no delays waiting for external paperwork.
Every international shipment from South Africa requires a customs export declaration lodged with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This is the SAD500 — South Africa's standard export document, submitted electronically through SARS's online trade platform. The SAD500 captures the goods description, declared value, country of origin, destination country, and the HS tariff code that determines how import duties are calculated at the receiving country's border.
JLog prepares all of this documentation as your registered customs clearing agent. We classify each shipment using the correct 8-digit HS code based on the actual goods — not a generic description that might trigger queries at customs. Accurate HS classification matters because it determines the import duty rate, any preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (for example, the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement for South African goods entering the European Union), and any special import licences required by the destination country.
For shipments returning to South Africa after a temporary export — artworks sent to a foreign exhibition, samples sent to a trade fair, equipment sent for repair — we prepare temporary export documentation using B1 rebate store procedures to ensure the goods can return without attracting import duty on re-entry. We also handle Certificates of Origin for goods qualifying for preferential duty treatment, phytosanitary certificates for plant-based materials, and country-specific import documentation required by the destination customs authority.
Destinations
JLog ships to 220+ countries. Here are the most common export markets from Cape Town, with transit times and customs notes for each.
The United Kingdom is South Africa's largest export market for consumer goods. Air freight takes 3-5 days to London; sea freight takes 18-21 days. Since Brexit, UK imports are subject to HMRC's UK Global Tariff — separate from EU customs. Most consumer goods attract 0-12% import duty. JLog prepares EORI-compatible documentation and can assist with UK importer registration queries.
The US is a major market for South African exports across art, wine, food, and manufactured goods. Air freight takes 3-5 days; sea freight takes 28-35 days. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) applies HTS classification and enforces de minimis thresholds — shipments under USD $800 typically enter duty-free. JLog prepares ISF (Importer Security Filing) and all CBP-required documentation for commercial shipments.
The EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement provides preferential — often zero — duty rates for qualifying South African goods entering the EU. Air freight takes 3-6 days depending on destination country. Germany, Netherlands, and France are the primary entry points. EU customs procedures require a valid EORI number for commercial importers, and CE marking applies to certain product categories. JLog prepares EUR.1 movement certificates for EPA preferential duty claims.
Australia is a strong market for South African goods with a significant SA diaspora. Air freight takes 4-7 days; sea freight takes 28-35 days. The Australian Border Force applies strict DAFF biosecurity rules — all wooden packaging must be ISPM 15 compliant, organic materials require phytosanitary certificates, and certain food products need import permits. JLog ensures every shipment to Australia meets biosecurity requirements to avoid fumigation or rejection at the border.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are 3-5 days by air freight from Cape Town — some of the fastest international lanes from South Africa. Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as regional distribution hubs for the broader Middle East. China, Japan, and Singapore are 4-7 days by air. The Middle East and Asia represent the fastest-growing export markets for South African goods, particularly art, homeware, and luxury products. JLog ships regularly to Dubai, Riyadh, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Singapore with all destination-specific documentation prepared in advance.
Cargo Types
If it is legal to export from South Africa, JLog can ship it. Here are the most common cargo categories we handle.
Clothing, electronics, beauty products, homeware, and general retail. Single orders or bulk outbound fulfillment for online stores.
Product samples, trade fair materials, brochures, marketing materials, and B2B commercial shipments of all sizes.
Fine art, sculptures, antiques, and museum pieces. Custom crating, specialist carriers, and SAHRA permit assistance where required.
Designer furniture, decor, and large-format items. Custom timber crating and sea freight for cost-effective large shipments.
Cape Winelands exports, wine samples for trade fairs, and bulk spirit shipments. All alcohol export documentation handled in-house.
Contracts, certificates, passports, and time-sensitive legal documents. FedEx and DHL express delivery to most destinations overnight.
Gifts, personal effects, and household goods. Customs declaration assistance and correct classification to avoid import duty surprises.
Exhibition materials, display stands, and product samples. Temporary export documentation for goods returning to South Africa after the event.
Machinery components, mining equipment, and industrial goods. Sea freight for heavy items, dangerous goods compliance where needed.
This list is not exhaustive. JLog handles a wide range of cargo types for businesses and individuals shipping from South Africa. If your goods are legal to export, we can almost certainly ship them — the question is which carrier, which service level, and what documentation is required. Contact us with a description of your goods and destination and we will advise on the best approach.
Certain categories require additional attention: artworks may require SAHRA permits if they are culturally significant, wine requires SAWIS registration and excise documentation, goods containing CITES-listed materials need Department of Forestry permits, and dangerous goods require IATA-compliant packaging and declarations. JLog handles all of this as part of the standard shipping service — there is no additional administrative burden on the shipper.
Pricing
International shipping costs depend on weight, dimensions (volumetric weight), destination, service level, and declared customs value. These are indicative ranges in South African Rand (ZAR).
| Shipment | Method | Indicative Cost (ZAR) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small parcel (1-5 kg) to UK / Europe | FedEx / DHL Express | R500 - R1,200 | 2 - 5 days |
| Medium parcel (5-15 kg) to UK / Europe | FedEx / DHL Express | R1,200 - R3,500 | 2 - 5 days |
| Large parcel (15-30 kg) to USA | FedEx / DHL Express | R3,000 - R8,000 | 3 - 5 days |
| Oversized air freight to UK (50-100 kg) | Air freight | R8,000 - R25,000 | 4 - 7 days |
| LCL sea freight to Europe (1 CBM) | Sea freight (shared container) | From R5,000 | 3 - 4 weeks |
| FCL 20ft container to UK / USA | Sea freight (full container) | From R35,000 | 3 - 5 weeks |
Customs clearance fees and destination import duties are additional. Insurance quoted separately on declared value. JLog's volume discount agreements with FedEx and DHL are passed directly to clients — our rates are typically 15-30% below walk-in courier tariffs. Costs vary significantly by destination and cargo type. Contact us for an accurate quote.
The most important factor in international shipping cost is dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight). Carriers charge based on whichever is greater — the actual weight in kilograms, or the calculated volumetric weight based on the parcel's dimensions. A lightweight but bulky item like a lampshade or a pillow will be charged as if it weighs significantly more than it does on a scale. JLog calculates both actual and dimensional weight before quoting so there are no surprises when the carrier invoice arrives.
For businesses shipping regularly, JLog sets up volume pricing arrangements that reduce per-shipment costs as volumes grow. E-commerce businesses shipping 20+ parcels per month, exporters with regular container movements, and galleries shipping internationally throughout the year all benefit from consolidated account pricing. Speak to our team about setting up a business shipping account.
Last Updated: March 2026
Packaging
International shipments face more stress than domestic ones — multiple handling points, different climate conditions, and transit times measured in weeks. JLog packs to international transit standards.
For most e-commerce, business, and personal shipments, double-walled corrugated cartons with appropriate internal void fill — foam peanuts, bubble wrap, air cushions — are included in the shipping service at no additional charge. We select carton size to minimise dimensional weight while providing adequate protection. All cartons are sealed with reinforced tape and labelled to IATA and carrier specifications.
Fragile, oversized, or high-value items require packaging beyond standard cartons. JLog's Woodstock workshop builds custom timber crates from ISPM 15 heat-treated plywood — a requirement for international wooden packaging in most destination countries. Internal foam bracing, moisture barriers, and vibration dampening are engineered for the specific item. For fine art and antiques, archival-quality materials are used throughout. Custom crating is quoted separately based on dimensions and fragility.
For fragile or high-value goods, see our detailed custom crating service.
FAQ
Transit times depend on the service level and destination. FedEx and DHL Express deliver to most major cities worldwide in 2-5 business days. Economy services take 5-8 business days. Sea freight takes 2-6 weeks depending on the route — the UK is approximately 18-21 days, Australia and the US 28-35 days. These transit times start from the date of collection; allow an additional 1-3 business days for customs clearance at the destination.
A small parcel (under 5 kg) from Cape Town to London starts from approximately R500-R900 via FedEx or DHL Economy. A 10 kg parcel costs R1,200-R2,000 by express and R800-R1,400 by economy. For larger shipments — furniture, art, commercial freight — costs are calculated on dimensional weight and typically range from R5,000 to R50,000+. JLog passes on negotiated volume discounts with FedEx and DHL. Contact us with your weight, dimensions, and destination for an accurate quote.
Most goods can be exported without a specific export permit — the standard SARS customs export declaration (SAD500) is sufficient. However, certain goods require additional permits: wine and spirits (SARS excise documentation and SAWIS registration), artworks over R10,000 (SAHRA permit considerations), items containing CITES-listed materials, and dual-use goods. JLog identifies permit requirements during the intake process and handles all applications as your registered customs clearing agent.
Yes, with restrictions. JLog handles IATA-classified dangerous goods including lithium batteries (UN3481, UN3480), perfumes and cosmetics containing alcohol, and certain industrial chemicals. All dangerous goods shipments are prepared with IATA-compliant packaging, hazard labels, and a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods. Quantity limits apply per carrier, and some destinations impose additional restrictions. Contact us to discuss your specific goods and we will advise on compliance requirements.
Common prohibited items include: illegal narcotics, firearms and ammunition (without relevant permits), counterfeit goods, live animals (without CITES permits and specialist carriers), perishable food without phytosanitary certificates, and currency above SARB thresholds. Destination countries also impose their own import restrictions — Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity rules on organic materials, the US prohibits certain agricultural products, and many Gulf states restrict alcohol. JLog checks destination country import restrictions before every shipment.
Yes. JLog handles everything from single-parcel e-commerce orders to full container load (FCL) sea freight for commercial exporters. For businesses shipping regularly, we set up account rates with volume pricing on FedEx and DHL, recurring customs documentation templates, and dedicated operations management. E-commerce businesses can integrate with JLog's fulfillment platform for automated label generation and tracking. Contact us to discuss a regular shipping arrangement.
Get a quote in minutes. Tell us what you're shipping, where it's going, and we'll come back with carrier options, transit times, and a firm price.
Get a Quote
Tell us what you need to ship and we will respond with carrier options, transit times, and a firm price — typically within 2 hours.
We will review your shipment details and respond with carrier options and pricing within 2 hours.
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