Licensing
There are a number of products/activities for which Customs traders need to obtain licences before conducting business with SARS. Each of these licences contains their own rules and regulations on how such businesses should be conducted. It should be seen as a privilege to conduct these types of functions. Licences are available for the following:
- Clearing Agent
All local persons who submit declarations to Customs on behalf of other Importers and Exporters need to be licensed with SARS. Licensed clearing agent will be liable for the fulfilment of all obligations imposed on their traders.
- Transporter/remover of Goods
All road cargo carriers transporting goods within the boundaries of the Republic of South Africa need to be licensed with SARS. A Transporter /Road Haulier is hired by the owner of the bonded goods to transport the bonded goods within SA. The client /owner must have a consignor bond and provide a letter to the Transporter /Road Haulier (and not a copy of the Consignor Bond).
- Foreign Remover of Goods
All foreign road cargo carriers transporting goods within the boundaries and across the boundaries of the Republic of South Africa need to be licensed with SARS and appoint an SA-based agent to act on their behalf. Foreign hauliers should also apply for MPR registration as now all manifests should be electronically submitted to Customs land border offices.
- Remover of Goods in Bond
All local road cargo carriers transporting goods within the boundaries and across the boundaries of the Republic of South Africa need to be licensed with SARS. These carriers require a RIB licence with SARS as they move imported goods from one warehouse to another or out the country. A Remover of Goods in Bond is when the owner of the Bonded Goods uses their own transportation.
- Storage Warehouse
It is a facility used to store goods imported for home consumption, Export and Rebate purpose which are subject to Customs duties. The intention is to delay the payment of duty applicable at the time of importation. Goods will be stored until such time as a need arises whereby an ex-warehouse entry will be passed and duties and VAT will be accounted for. Such facilities must be licensed with Customs and Excise and the goods must be stored for a period no longer than two years.
- Special Storage Warehouse
Any person who intends storing non-dutiable goods (VAT only) for a period of no longer than six months must apply for a special customs and excise storage warehouse licence. This is a warehouse for export purposes only.
- Special Manufacturing Warehouse (SVM)
An SVM is a manufacturing warehouse, operated by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), that holds both rebated and non-rebated goods. You need to apply for a license to use an SVM
For enquiries on processing of licensing applications, you can contact: