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:
- According to the Legal LSec CE RA Customs and Excise Rules 1995 as amended as published on 12 April 2024 on the Rule Amendments webpage, the allowance has changed from not more than R50 000 (only 3 transactions) to not more than R150 000 (one or more)
- 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.
Should the purchase falls outside these limitations, you will have to register and obtain an importer or exporter code.
