- Traders/Importers/Exporters who followed the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) process successfully are allocated a Customs & Excise code. For Customs, it is also known as a Customs Client Number or Importers code or Exporters code. The Customs codes are confidential and allocated to the clients that apply with strict provisions not to share. The algorithm used by SARS to generate this numeric code, including any validation (including check digit modulus rules) is not shared publicly. In other words, the Customs and Excise code is a classified code available only to the Customs and Excise registrants and must at all times be secure. If you want to retrieve the Customs code, you can do so through the online query Request my Customs Code.
- If you are however looking for a Customs Tariff code for the importing of goods, you need to refer to the appropriate tariff heading under the Customs Tariff. Here are the steps and details for the tariff determination:
- Tariff Heading: Look for the applicable tariff heading under the relevant the category.
- Customs Value Calculation: The customs value is determined based on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) valuation code, which involves six valuation methods.
- If you want to however calculate Customs duty, it is a process with many variables and stakeholders and would therefore be advised to make use of a clearing agent/broker, or alternatively you can view the Duties and Taxes | South African Revenue Service which will provide you with more details.
For further details, you can refer to the sources directly on the SARS website:
- For the Tariff Determination Search engine or tariff book, visit the Tariff webpage
- For general information on Duties and Taxes for Importers, visit the Duties and Taxes for Importers webpage
- For info on the RLA process, see the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation webpage
- FAQ – Do I need to register as an importer if I buy personal goods from abroad e.g. Amazon?
- If you need further assistance, you can also refer to the primary legislation and related schedules for more comprehensive details regarding customs codes and their applications: Schedules to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 – SARS.
- If you have specific queries regarding the exact duty rates or need assistance with the customs declarations, it is recommended to contact SARS directly or consult with a customs broker.
