How to register as a registered agent
A registered agent is a person (individual or juristic persons) located in South Africa to act on behalf of a foreign principal. It is important to note that a ‘registered agent’ is not the same as the current licensed ‘clearing agent’. Any South African individual or registered company may apply to become a ‘registered agent’. A licensed clearing agent may also become a ‘registered agent’. The requirements of such registered agents are as follows:
- Application to be made on form DA185 and the appropriate annexure;
- Upon registration, no surety bond either nationally or per port will be needed. SARS does, however, reserve the right to impose surety bonds if the risk status of the registered agent declines at any point in time.
The registered agent must accept the nominations made by the foreign principal indicating which functions (importer, exporter or remover of goods in bond) are to be fulfilled on behalf of the foreign principal. The person applying for registration as a “Registered Agent” must be located in South Africa.
The nominated registered agent (in terms of annex DA 185 D):
- Is liable for the fulfilment of all obligations imposed on either the importer, exporter or licensed remover;
- May complete and submit a Customs clearance declarations(CCD) on behalf of a foreign principal; and
- May submit an application form on behalf of a foreign principal (e.g. importer, exporter or remover of goods in bond) to Customs.
Which forms must be completed to register as a registered agent?
- DA 185 – Application form – Registration and licensing of Customs and Excise Clients – External Form
- DA 185.4A13 – Registration Client Type 4A13 – Registered agent – External Form
- If security is required, also complete DA 185.C – Security particulars – External Form.
No additional supporting documents are needed as the applicant must be registered for Income Tax and these registration details will be used for the creating of the Legal Entity.
Where do we send the forms?
Application forms must be submitted to the nearest Customs office.
To access this page in different languages click on the links below:
Related Documents
DA 133 – Return in respect of Spirits – External Form
DA 185.4A13 – Registration Client Type 4A13 – Registered agent – External Form
DA 185.4A14 – Registration Client Type 4A14 – Registered still – External Form
DA 185.4A16 – Client Type 4A16 – Non-commercial manufacturer of sugary beverages – External Form
DA 185.4A17 – Registration Client Type 4A17 – Tobacco Leaf Dealer – External Form
DA 185.4B12 – Licensing Client Type 4B12 – To own, possess or keep stills – External Form
DA 185.4B14 – Licensing Client Type 4B14 – Degrouping depot – External Form
DA 185.4B15 – Licensing Client Type 4B15 – Searcher of or searching for wreck – External Form
DA 185.4B16 – Licensing Client Type 4B16 – Container depot – External Form
DA 185.4B2 – Licensing Client Type 4B2 – Manufacturing warehouse – External Form
