Import Declaration Form for South Africa

Import Declaration Form Template for South Africa

An Import Declaration Form is a mandatory customs document required by South African Revenue Service (SARS) for all commercial imports entering South Africa. This document serves as an official statement to customs authorities, declaring the nature, quantity, and value of goods being imported. It forms the basis for the assessment of customs duties, import VAT, and ensures compliance with South African trade regulations and requirements. The form must be completed accurately and submitted along with supporting documentation to facilitate customs clearance and legal entry of goods into South Africa.

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What is a Import Declaration Form?

The Import Declaration Form is a fundamental customs document required for all commercial imports into South Africa, administered under the authority of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This document must be submitted for every commercial shipment entering the country, regardless of value or nature of goods. The form requires detailed information about the importer, supplier, goods description, valuation, and shipping details, serving as the basis for customs duty assessment and import control. Import Declaration Forms are governed by the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and must comply with South African customs regulations. The document is crucial for maintaining accurate trade statistics, ensuring proper revenue collection, and enforcing trade controls. It may be submitted electronically through SARS systems or through authorized customs clearing agents.

What sections should be included in a Import Declaration Form?

1. Importer Details: Full legal name, registration number, VAT number, and contact details of the importing entity

2. Customs Agent Information: Details of the authorized customs clearing agent, including registration number and contact information

3. Supplier Information: Complete details of the foreign supplier/exporter including company name, address, and country of export

4. Shipment Details: Information about the shipment including bill of lading/airway bill number, vessel/flight details, and expected arrival date

5. Goods Description: Detailed description of imported goods including HS codes, quantity, unit of measure, and country of origin

6. Value Declaration: Declaration of the customs value, including invoice value, freight costs, insurance, and other additions or deductions

7. Payment Details: Information about duty and VAT payments, including method of payment and declarant bank details

8. Declaration Statement: Formal declaration of truth and accuracy of provided information, including penalties for false declarations

What sections are optional to include in a Import Declaration Form?

1. Preferential Treatment Claim: Section for claiming preferential duty rates under trade agreements, used when importing from countries with preferential trade arrangements with South Africa

2. License and Permit Details: Section for declaring import permits and licenses, required for restricted or controlled goods

3. Temporary Import Declaration: Used for goods being temporarily imported for specific purposes like exhibitions or repairs

4. Related Party Transaction: Additional information required when the transaction is between related parties

5. Special Customs Procedures: For goods subject to special customs procedures such as warehousing or processing

What schedules should be included in a Import Declaration Form?

1. Commercial Invoice: Copy of the supplier's commercial invoice showing the value and details of goods

2. Packing List: Detailed list of packaged items including quantities, weights, and measurements

3. Transport Documents: Bill of lading, airway bill, or other transport documentation

4. Certificate of Origin: Document certifying the country of origin of the imported goods

5. Value Calculation Schedule: Detailed breakdown of the customs value calculation

6. Supporting Permits: Copies of relevant import permits, licenses, or certificates

7. Insurance Certificate: Documentation of insurance coverage for the shipment

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

Manufacturing

Retail

Wholesale Trade

Agriculture

Mining

Automotive

Electronics

Textiles

Pharmaceuticals

Food and Beverage

Chemical Industry

Construction

Technology

Consumer Goods

Relevant Teams

Logistics

Supply Chain

Import/Export

Customs Compliance

International Trade

Procurement

Operations

Finance

Documentation

Regulatory Affairs

Relevant Roles

Import Manager

Customs Compliance Officer

Supply Chain Manager

Logistics Coordinator

Trade Compliance Specialist

Shipping Manager

Procurement Officer

Customs Broker

International Trade Specialist

Operations Manager

Finance Manager

Documentation Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Import/Export Coordinator

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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