Customs Duty When Shopping Across the Border in South Africa
Many South Africans shop in neighbouring countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique. But bringing goods back across the border has rules. Here is what you need to know about customs duty.
Key Takeaways
- You have a duty-free allowance of R5,000 per trip
- Goods above R5,000 are subject to customs duty and VAT
- Duty rates vary by product category
- Declaring goods is always better than trying to hide them
- SARS customs officers can seize undeclared goods
The duty-free allowance
South African residents returning from abroad have a duty-free allowance of R5,000 per trip. This means you can bring back goods worth up to R5,000 without paying any customs duty. This is per person, not per family.
- R5,000 duty-free allowance per person per trip
- Applies to goods for personal use
- Not for commercial quantities
- Alcohol and tobacco have separate limits
- Children have the same R5,000 allowance
What happens above R5,000?
Goods above the R5,000 threshold are subject to customs duty and VAT. The duty rate depends on the type of goods. Electronics typically attract 0-10% duty. Clothing attracts 45% duty. VAT of 15% is added on top.
- Duty calculated on value above R5,000
- Duty rates: 0-45% depending on product
- VAT of 15% added on top of duty
- Electronics: typically 0-10% duty
- Clothing and textiles: up to 45% duty
Always declare your goods
If you have goods worth more than R5,000, declare them at customs. The penalty for not declaring is much worse than paying the duty. SARS can seize undeclared goods and impose fines.
- Declare all goods above R5,000
- Penalties for non-declaration are severe
- SARS can seize undeclared goods
- Criminal charges possible for deliberate evasion
- Declaring is always the right choice
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the Customs Duty Calculator