Cargo Declaration for South Africa

Cargo Declaration Template for South Africa

A Cargo Declaration is a mandatory customs document required under South African law for the import, export, or transit of goods through South African ports and borders. This document, governed by the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and Customs Control Act 31 of 2014, serves as an official statement declaring the details of cargo being transported, including its nature, quantity, value, and other relevant specifications. It forms a crucial part of South Africa's customs clearance process and must comply with both national legislation and international maritime conventions ratified by South Africa.

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What is a Cargo Declaration?

The Cargo Declaration is a fundamental document in South African international trade and customs procedures, required by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and port authorities for all cargo movements. This declaration must be submitted for all goods entering, leaving, or transiting through South African territories, in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and related legislation. The document serves multiple purposes: it enables customs authorities to assess duties and taxes, helps prevent illegal trafficking, ensures compliance with trade regulations, and facilitates efficient cargo handling. The declaration includes detailed information about the cargo, its value, origin, destination, and other relevant data required for customs clearance and port operations. It must be accurate and complete, as false declarations can result in significant penalties under South African law.

What sections should be included in a Cargo Declaration?

1. Declaration Type and Reference: Specifies whether this is an import, export, or transit declaration and includes unique reference numbers

2. Declarant Details: Information about the person or entity making the declaration, including registration numbers and contact details

3. Transport Details: Information about the vessel, voyage number, and estimated arrival/departure times

4. Cargo Details: Comprehensive description of the cargo including quantity, weight, packaging type, and cargo identification numbers

5. Value Declaration: Declaration of cargo value, currency, and terms of trade (Incoterms)

6. Origin and Destination: Details of cargo origin, final destination, and routing information

7. Customs Information: Tariff codes, duty calculations, and other customs-related information

8. Security Declaration: Declarations regarding cargo security and compliance with ISPS requirements

9. Declaration Statement: Legal statement confirming the accuracy of the information provided

What sections are optional to include in a Cargo Declaration?

1. Dangerous Goods Declaration: Required when cargo contains hazardous materials, including IMO class and UN numbers

2. Temperature Control Declaration: Required for refrigerated cargo, specifying temperature requirements and monitoring details

3. Special Handling Instructions: Required for cargo requiring specific handling procedures or equipment

4. Transshipment Details: Required when cargo will be transferred between vessels during transit

5. Container Details: Required for containerized cargo, including container numbers and seal information

6. Break Bulk Details: Required for non-containerized cargo, including handling requirements

What schedules should be included in a Cargo Declaration?

1. Schedule A - Detailed Cargo List: Itemized list of all cargo items with complete descriptions and quantities

2. Schedule B - Container Manifest: List of containers with their numbers, seal numbers, and contents

3. Schedule C - Supporting Documents: List of attached supporting documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, etc.

4. Appendix 1 - Dangerous Goods Documentation: Detailed information about dangerous goods including safety data sheets

5. Appendix 2 - Customs Valuation Forms: Additional forms required for customs valuation purposes

6. Appendix 3 - Special Permits: Copies of any special permits required for the cargo

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

South Africa

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Declaration Form

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Relevant Industries

Maritime Transport

Logistics and Supply Chain

International Trade

Customs and Border Control

Port Operations

Manufacturing

Mining

Agriculture

Retail

Automotive

Chemical Industry

Food and Beverage

Pharmaceuticals

Relevant Teams

Logistics

Supply Chain

Customs Compliance

International Trade

Documentation

Port Operations

Shipping Operations

Import/Export

Trade Finance

Risk Management

Legal Compliance

Relevant Roles

Customs Compliance Manager

Shipping Manager

Logistics Coordinator

Supply Chain Manager

Import/Export Specialist

Customs Broker

Freight Forwarding Manager

Port Operations Manager

Trade Compliance Officer

Documentation Specialist

Cargo Clearance Officer

Customs Declaration Officer

Maritime Operations Manager

Supply Chain Director

Logistics Operations Manager

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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