What is an importer?
Any person (local or foreign) who import goods into South Africa must register as an importer including the importation of continuous transmission commodities (CTC).
Any foreigner importer (e.g. individual or juristic person) who wishes to import goods into South Africa must register as an importer and nominate a registered agent located in South Africa before such foreign importer will be registered to import goods into South Africa.
Such nominated ‘registered agent’ must assume full liability for the acts of a foreign principal in relation to any business activity with Customs. To see information on how imports work, click here. If the applicant is a foreign entity:
- He / she must nominate a registered agent using a DA 185 D;
- Not represented by a registered agent located in South Africa, the application must be suspended until an approved registered agent is nominated by the foreign entity; and
- Which is a juristic entity, a certified copy of the founding document or any certificate issued in terms of the laws of the country where the foreign licensee or registered person is incorporated, registered or recognised certifying such incorporation must be submitted at time of application.
Foreign entities clearing cargo for international transit through South Africa are not required to register with Customs.
No security is required at time of registration. However, Customs reserves the right to impose a security based on the risk status of the applicant.
A Registered Agent nominated by a foreign principal must assume full liability for the acts of a foreign principal in relation to any business activity with Customs.
Registered importers and / or must also register as an EDI user if he / she will be submitting his / her own CCD to Customs. If he/she makes use of a licensed Customs Clearing agent or Registered Agent, an importer or exporter does not need to register as an EDI user.
What is the procedure to register as an importer?
If you are a prospective importer you need to log in or register on www.sarsefiling.co.za.
Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA), which is part of the New Customs Acts Programme (NCAP), is the new electronic platform for the management of registration/licensing applications. The new electronic registration/licensing process is being implemented under the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act, no 64 of 1964. This will allow for easier transition into the Customs Control and Duty Acts of 2014.
Go to eFiling on www.sarsefiling.co.za and register or login.
Follow these easy steps on eFiling:
- If you have not done so yet, link to the organisation profile to your individual profile
- Assign RLA user rights and roles
- Capture the RLA client application
- Submit the application:
To see the detailed steps and screens, see the SC-CF-42 – Customs Trader Portal – External Guide.
Or see our tutorial video on How to access Customs registration, Licensing and Accreditation on SARS eFiling.
To monitor the status of your application, keep an eye on your eFiling inbox.
How to upload supporting documents?
In addition to the automated application process above, you can also upload supporting documents through the SARS Online Query System (SOQS), see Upload/submit Registration, Licensing and Accreditation-related supporting documentation.
The documents that must accompany the application are:
- Proof of address i.e. your municipal water and electricity account.
- Certified copy of your identity document.
From the Registrar of Companies a certified copy of either of the following:
- Close Corporation registration;
- Company registration.
Certified copies of the following documents:
- VAT, IT, PAYE, SDL, UIF letters from SARS to confirm revenue registration details;
- Resolution/consent or other authority as applicable;
- Telkom and/or cellphone account not older than 3 months to confirm contact details.
One of the following to prove bank details:
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A document confirming the banking details of the bank account, which can be:
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A bank certified original bank statement or a legible bank certified copy of an original bank statement;
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a bank certified auto bank statement; or
- an original letter from the bank on an official bank letterhead.
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Account number and branch code:
- An original letter from the bank on a letterhead; or
- An original auto bank statement.
You must be older than 18 years and have a permanent address in the RSA.
If your application is for licensing for a warehouse, clearing agent or remover of goods the following applies:
- Fees applicable for application; and
- Where a warehouse is involved, plan of proposed warehouse.
How to view RLA certificates and letters?
Also through the online SOQS system you can view and download Registration, Licensing and Accreditation certificates and letters; and choose to receive them via email.
Need help?
For enquiries and submissions:
- If clients are experiencing technical issues to access RLA on eFiling or submitting an application, please call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277.
- Alternatively, clients can submit applications for a Customs client number in person at the following Customs Branch offices:
- Alberton: SARS Alberton Campus
- Cape Town: 22 Hans Strijdom Avenue, Central, Cape Town
- Durban: Albany House, 61-62 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Corner of Albany Grove & Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban
- ORTIA: 1st Floor Agents Building, Cargo Section, OR Tambo International Airport
- Port Elizabeth: SARS Customs Branch, 3 Winston Ntshona Street, Sanlam building, Port Elizabeth.
- Pretoria: 136 Francis Baard Street, Customs House, Pretoria
