What are Exports?
The control of goods leaving the Republic is considered one of the core functions of Customs. Key economic decisions are based on trade statistics and it is therefore imperative that SARS accurately records export performance.
Processes to export goods out of the Republic
The original copy of each export declaration is processed by Customs and kept for record and trade statistics purposes. Any other documents in relation to the goods exported, including the transport documents, should be produced if required by Customs. Current legislation and policy require specific documents to be endorsed, which could entail the completion of required fields on a form such as findings of an examination, date stamping and signing. To see which documents are required and under which circumstances, see the list of Customs Endorsement Document Requirements. To see how to register as an Exporter, click here.
Availability of examination facilities
Examination facilities are available at most international ports of entry / exit as well as at the transit sheds and container depots. Subject to the rules of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, including conditions about security, application may also be made (at the discretion of the Customs Branch Manager) for examinations to be conducted on the premises of clients.
What is the clearance process?
The exportation of a variety of goods is either totally prohibited or may be subject to inspection by other authorities ie. prohibited and restricted goods. Special permits / licences / certificates may also be required. Customs officers read these documents in order to ensure compliance with the various laws, regulations and rules. It must be noted that certain goods will require an export permit, which must be produced at the time of clearance. For more information, you can refer to Consolidated list of Prohibited and Restricted Exports and Imports. Permits for restricted goods can be obtained from International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).
Can I remove goods which are being removed in bond through a non-designated port?
No removals in bond (RIBs) or removals in transit (RITs) are allowed through non-designated ports. Proof of export for acquittal purposes must be obtained from the port of exit on the required forms. You can refer to the SC-CF-55 – Clearance Declaration – External Policy document for more information.
For more information on other customs processes related to clearance declaration you can access the links below:
Related Documents
Customs-G002 – Guide on Importation of unaccompanied goods – External Guide
Customs-G004 – Customs Statement of Account – External Guide
DA 189 – Customs Inspection Report – External Form
DA 65 – Registration of Goods for Reimportation – External Form
DA 73 – Application for Special or Extra Attendance – External Form
DA 74 – Application Release of Detained Stopped Goods – External Form
DL 163E – Exemption Producers and Beneficators – External Form
DL 185 – Registration for Diamond Export Levy – External Form
LAPD-CE-G01 – Understanding the Customs and Excise Transitional Provisions
SAD 500 Customs Declaration Form – External Form
SAD 503 – Customs Declaration Query Notification – External Form
SAD 504 – Voucher of Correction – External Form
SAD 506 – Continuation Sheet – External Form
SAD 507 – Customs Declaration Additional Info Produced Documents – External Form
SAD 514 – Voucher of Correction Transfer of Liability – External Form
SAD 551 – Continuation Sheet Export – External Form
SAD 554 – Voucher of Correction Export – External Form
SC-CC-32 – Prohibited and Restricted Goods – External Policy
SC-CC-35 – Customs Scanner Operations – External Policy
SC-CF-04 – Completion of declarations – External Manual
SC-CF-13 – Use of Non Designated Ports – External Policy
SC-CF-19 – Registration Licensing and Designation – External Policy
SC-CF-26 – Application to Submit Cargo Reports – External Manual
SC-CF-32 – Completion of DA 70 – External Manual
SC-CF-41 – Formalities for Unpolished Diamonds – External Policy
SC-CF-48 – Staged Consignment – External Policy
SC-CF-49 – Samples – External Policy
SC-CF-55 – Clearance Declaration – External Policy
SC-CR-A-07 – Valuation of Exports – External Policy
SC-CR-A-09 – Tariff Classification – External Policy
SC-CR-A-13 – Completion of DA 55 – External Manual
SC-DT-B-02 – Deferments – External Policy
SC-DT-C-13 – Refunds and Drawbacks – External Policy
SC-IM-01-06 – Clearance of Continuous Transmission Commodities – External Policy
SC-PA-01-06 – Excess Currency – External Policy
SC-PR-01-02 – Rebate Item 470 03 – External Guide
SC-RO-02 – Administration of Trade Agreements – External Policy
