No, you don’t have to register as an importer if you meet certain conditions.
Personal goods can be cleared with Customs under the generic code 70707070. However, you must meet the following conditions:
- The total value required to be declared was amended from R50 000 to R150 000 on 31 July 2020 (Government Gazette (GG 43569))
- You are only allowed to import goods for home consumption or personal use, not for resale or any other business;
- You must be located in South Africa;
- Your identity number/ Passport number or taxpayer reference number must be entered in the field provided in the declaration form.
Furthermore, effective from 18h00 on 20 November 2025, SARS implemented a new automated validation and rejection rule for import declarations submitted by private individuals using Customs Code 70707070. If the cumulative value of imports under this code exceeds R150,000 per calendar year, any further declarations will be automatically rejected.
Key Points:
- Private individuals may import goods using Customs Code 70707070 up to a total value of R150,000 per year.
- Once this threshold is reached, additional declarations under this code will be rejected by the system.
- The individual must first apply electronically for a formal Customs Code and thereafter submit a new declaration for the affected shipment.
For more information, see the letter to stakeholders.
Should the purchase falls outside these limitations, you will have to register and obtain an importer or exporter code.
