Duty-Free Allowances for South Africans Returning From Abroad
Every South African returning from abroad is entitled to bring back certain goods duty-free. Here is a complete guide to what you can bring back without paying customs duty.
Key Takeaways
- General goods allowance: R5,000 per person
- Alcohol allowance: 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits
- Tobacco allowance: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco
- Perfume: 50ml perfume, 250ml eau de toilette
- Gifts are included in the R5,000 allowance
General goods allowance
You can bring back goods worth up to R5,000 per trip without paying customs duty. This includes clothing, electronics, gifts, and other personal items. The R5,000 is per person — a family of four can bring back R20,000 worth of goods duty-free.
- R5,000 per person per trip
- Includes all personal goods
- Gifts count towards the allowance
- Must be for personal use, not resale
- Commercial quantities always attract duty
Alcohol and tobacco allowances
Alcohol and tobacco have their own separate allowances that are in addition to the R5,000 general allowance. You must be 18 or older to bring in alcohol and tobacco.
- Wine: 2 litres
- Spirits: 1 litre
- Beer: 2 litres (in addition to wine)
- Cigarettes: 200 (one carton)
- Cigars: 20
- Tobacco: 250g
- Must be 18+ to import alcohol and tobacco
What to do at customs
If you have goods within the allowances, use the green channel (nothing to declare). If you have goods above the allowances or are unsure, use the red channel (goods to declare). When in doubt, declare.
- Green channel: within all allowances
- Red channel: above allowances or unsure
- When in doubt, always declare
- Penalties for non-declaration are severe
- Keep receipts for all purchases abroad
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the Customs Duty Calculator