South Africa: What you can and can't ship

Items you can ship to South Africa

There are a wide range of items that you can ship to South Africa. These items include, but are not limited to: 

• Clothing, shoes and accessories 
• Electronics, such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras
• Books, magazines, and other printed materials
• Personal care products, including cosmetics and toiletries 
• Toys and games
• Artwork and collectibles 
• Sporting equipment and gear
• Household goods and furnishings 

Items you can't ship to South Africa 

You may not be able to ship some items to South Africa because they are restricted or prohibited for import by the South African government. There are many reasons for this such as protecting public health and safety; protecting the environment; to comply with international agreements; protecting national security and protecting intellectual property.

South Africa's restricted items

Restricted items are allowed to be imported into the country, but are subject to certain limitations and conditions. You may require specific documentation or testing to ensure that they meet the country's health and safety regulations.

Other types of restrictions may include limitation on the quantity or value of the items being imported, or specific labelling requirements. For example, South Africa may require imported goods to be labelled in a certain language or with specific information, such as the country of origin or expiry date.  

If you attempt to import restricted items into South Africa without the necessary permits or authorisation, it can result in serious consequences. South African customs authorities may confiscate the items or even face legal consequences, such as fines or even imprisonment. 

You may also experience delays or additional expenses for your shipment. Your shipment is likely to be detained if it doesn't comply to the regulations and you may be required to pay a fee before your shipment is released. 

South Africa has a list of restricted items that may not be imported without proper authorisation or permits. The following are examples of some of the restricted items - some of these may effect your shipment more than others:

• Plants and animals: The importation of certain plants and animals, including endangered species, requires permits from the South African government. Plants and vegetable products will require a phytosanitary certificate before you can import goods of this kind into the country. To import animals into the country, you will need a rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate and an import permit. An import permit will be granted after you have made arrangements for the period of quarantine. This is required for pets travelling from most, but not all countries. 


• Medications: Some medications require authorisation from the South African Medicines Control Council before they can be imported. 


• Cultural artefacts: The import of cultural artefacts, such as archaeological or ethological material, may require permits from the South African Heritage Resources Agency. 


• Firearms and ammunition: The import of firearms and ammunition is highly regulated and requires permits from the South African Police Service. An import permit is needed, as well as a South African Police Firearm Registrar Certificate SAP 312.


• Certain chemicals and hazardous materials: The import of certain chemicals and hazardous materials, such as pesticides, may require permits from the South African government.


• Food products: Some food products, such as meat and dairy products, require permits and may be subject to strict health and safety regulations


• Wine, Liquor, Alcohol: The import of alcoholic beverages such as wine, liquors etc require permits and may be subject to a limited quantity. An import permit is needed from the Department of Agriculture, Directorate Plant Health and Quality. You will also need to obtain a liquor removal certificate and your items will be subject to payment of full duties. 

It is important to note that this is not a comprehensive list and that regulations can change over time. If you are planning to import items into South Africa, make sure you read the South African FIDI Customs Guide or talk to your international Move Manager for the most up to date information and any necessary permits or authorisation requirements.

South Africa's Prohibited items

Prohibited items are items which are strictly forbidden to be imported or exported from a country, due to legal, ethical or safety concerns. 

If you attempt to import a prohibited item into South Africa, it can result in serious consequences. South African customs officials have the authority to seize any prohibited items that they find during inspections, and you could face legal consequences, such as fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.

In addition, if you attempt to import a prohibited item into South Africa, it could result in delays or additional expenses for your shipment. Your shipment may be detained by customs officials while they investigate the contents of the shipment, and you may be required to pay fees or penalties before your shipment is released.

South Africa has a list of prohibited items that cannot be imported into the country. The following are examples of some of the prohibited items - some of these may effect your shipment more than others:

• Narcotics, drugs and incitements
• Pornographic books and magazines
• Walkie Talkie radios 
• Certain feathers, furs, skins, tusks etc. of animals coming under the protected species regulations