Customs Brokerage
JLog is a SARS-licensed customs broker based in Cape Town providing customs clearance for imports and exports across South Africa. We handle HS code classification, duty calculations, documentation, and full compliance with the Customs and Excise Act — so your cargo clears without delays.
JLog is a registered SARS Customs Clearing Agent. We clear your goods directly — no third-party broker required.
The Process
Every import and export must clear customs through SARS. Here is the step-by-step process we follow to get your goods released as quickly as possible.
Collect commercial invoice, packing list, and transport documents
Determine the correct 8-digit HS tariff code for each item
Calculate customs value including CIF (cost, insurance, freight)
Submit SAD500 declaration electronically to SARS
Process duty and VAT payments through SARS
Manage any SARS inspection or query requests
Cargo released for collection or delivery
"The most expensive customs mistake I see is wrong HS code classification. A single wrong code can double your duty rate. With 8,690 codes in our database and eight years of SARS filings, we get classification right the first time — and we've never had a shipment held for misclassification."
Documentation
Required documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / airway bill, import permit (if applicable from ITAC, NRCS, or DALRRD).
Process: We submit the SAD500 (Single Administrative Document) electronically to SARS, calculate and pay duties and 15% import VAT, manage any inspections, and arrange cargo release from Cape Town Container Terminal or airport bonded warehouse.
Timeline: 24–48 hours standard, same-day for urgent clearance.
Required documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (EUR.1 for EU, SADC certificate for Africa), export permit (where required).
Process: We prepare the export declaration, ensure compliance with destination country requirements, arrange fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where needed, and coordinate cargo handover to the carrier at Cape Town port or airport.
Timeline: Same-day processing for most exports.
Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an international classification system used by customs authorities worldwide to identify goods. South Africa uses 8-digit tariff codes that follow the international 6-digit HS structure with two additional digits for local specificity.
The first 2 digits identify the Chapter (e.g., Chapter 94 = Furniture). The next 2 digits identify the Heading (e.g., 9403 = Other furniture). The next 2 are the Subheading (e.g., 9403.60 = Wooden furniture). The final 2 digits are South Africa-specific and determine the exact duty rate.
Getting the HS code wrong means paying the wrong duty — sometimes thousands of rands too much, sometimes triggering penalties for underpayment. We classify every item using the SARS tariff book, WCO Explanatory Notes, and classification rulings to ensure accuracy.
Ch. 94: Furniture | Ch. 97: Art & Antiques | Ch. 85: Electronics | Ch. 22: Beverages (Wine) | Ch. 61–62: Textiles | Ch. 84: Machinery
A dining table classified under 9403.60.10 attracts 10% duty. The same table incorrectly classified under 9403.90 might attract 20%. Under the EU-SADC EPA with a valid certificate of origin, the correct code could reduce duty to 0%. The difference on a R500,000 shipment is R100,000.
Our JLog platform maintains a database of over 15,000 classified items, ensuring consistent and accurate classification across all shipments.
Calculations
Import duty rates vary by HS code, country of origin, and applicable trade agreements. VAT is always 15% on the customs value plus duty.
| Product Category | HS Chapter | Standard Duty | EU-SADC EPA Rate | AGOA (US) Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Artwork | 97 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Wooden Furniture | 94 | 10–20% | 0–5.6% | 0–4% |
| Wine (bottled) | 22 | Various | Preferential | Preferential |
| Electronics | 85 | 0–25% | 0–10% | 0–5% |
| Textiles | 61–62 | 30–45% | Various | Duty-free (qualifying) |
| Machinery | 84 | 0–20% | 0–10% | 0–5% |
Total Landed Cost = Customs Value (CIF) + Import Duty (Customs Value × Duty Rate) + VAT ((Customs Value + Duty) × 15%). For a R500,000 furniture import at 10% duty: R500,000 + R50,000 duty + R82,500 VAT = R632,500 total.
Avoid Delays
The most common cause of delays. A missing commercial invoice, packing list, or import permit stops clearance immediately. We provide a document checklist before your shipment arrives and verify everything is in order before submission.
Wrong classification triggers SARS queries, re-assessment, and potential penalties. Our classification database and experienced brokers ensure accuracy on every declaration.
SARS randomly selects shipments for physical inspection. We manage the inspection process, coordinate with the terminal, and ensure your cargo is re-sealed and released as quickly as possible.
If SARS believes the declared value is too low, they issue a value query that can hold cargo for weeks. We ensure all invoices and valuations are defensible and compliant with WTO valuation rules.
Certain goods require permits from ITAC, NRCS, or DALRRD before import. We identify permit requirements during the quoting stage so permits are in hand before cargo arrives in South Africa.
Some items are prohibited or restricted under the Customs and Excise Act. We screen all shipments against the prohibited and restricted goods list before shipping to prevent seizure on arrival.
Our Advantage
Unlike traditional customs brokers who rely on manual processes and paper files, JLog uses our proprietary logistics platform to manage every customs declaration digitally. This means real-time status updates, instant document access, and full audit trails for every shipment.
Our HS code database of 15,000+ previously classified items ensures consistent classification across shipments. Our duty calculator provides instant estimated landed costs before you commit to shipping. And our digital document management means your commercial invoices, packing lists, and permits are stored securely and accessible anytime.
For e-commerce businesses importing stock, we integrate customs clearance into the fulfillment workflow — so goods move from port to warehouse to customer without manual intervention.
Track your customs clearance status live on the JLog platform. See exactly where your shipment is in the process — from document submission to SARS assessment to cargo release.
Get instant estimated duties and VAT before you ship. Input the HS code, value, and origin country to see your total landed cost including all government charges.
All customs documents stored digitally with full audit trail. Access your SAD500s, invoices, and clearance certificates anytime from the client portal.
Get a Quote
We respond with a clearance quote and document checklist within 24 hours.
+27 21 300 6099
info@jlog.co.za
Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550
We'll review your details and send a customs clearance quote within 24 hours.
FAQ
Standard customs clearance takes 24–48 hours from document submission to cargo release. Same-day clearance is available for urgent shipments. Delays can occur if SARS requires additional documentation or selects the shipment for physical inspection.
At minimum: commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air). Depending on the goods you may also need an import permit from ITAC, NRCS letter of authority, DALRRD phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, or fumigation certificate.
Import duties are based on the HS code classification, customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight), country of origin, and applicable trade agreements. VAT at 15% is applied on the customs value plus duty amount.
Informal entry applies to shipments valued under R50,000 with a simplified declaration. Formal entry is required for shipments over R50,000 using the full SAD500 declaration with detailed HS code classification.
Yes. We handle full import clearance including SAD500 processing, duty payments, and cargo release, as well as export clearance including declarations, certificates of origin, and destination compliance. We clear goods at Cape Town port, Cape Town International Airport, and OR Tambo.
From Our Clients
"We ship to 14 countries and JLog handles every one. They know the documentation requirements for each market cold. Our UK importer specifically asks us to use JLog because the paperwork is always perfect on arrival."
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