Sending to South Africa: at a glance
- Duty-free limit
- No value-based exemption: the R500 concession ended 1 Sept 2024 (electronics and toys may still have been treated under R500 in late 2024).
- Tax above the limit
- VAT 15% on customs value plus shipping, insurance and duties; clothing, textiles, footwear and leather duties 20-45%.
- Used personal items
- Assume there is no special relief for used personal items sent by post or courier; the ordinary parcel thresholds apply.
- Put in the parcel
- Invoice with value and description
These are the usual rules. Customs and courier rules can change at any time, so confirm with South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs before sending.
South African Revenue Service (SARS) CustomsSend it yourself
- Ask the office holding it whether they post items, or who may collect it for you (a written authorisation and a copy of your ID).
- Someone collects it and packs it securely.
- Book a courier with a clear description and value; outside the EU it needs electronic customs data.
- The receiver pays any import duty or tax on arrival.
Offices usually work Greek office hours, and staff may answer in Greek. A service we recommend can make the calls and handle the pickup for you.
Rather not do it yourself? Couriers we recommend
Ask whether they can collect it from the office that has it, pack it and send it, and help with the customs paperwork. Ask for the price first.
Family-run Athens courier since 1988. Sends parcels within Greece and abroad, helps with customs clearance, and can store extra bags for travellers and deliver them later. Ask for a price on their website.
We recommend services we think are useful; some may pay us a fee if you book. Prices and terms are set by the service, so check them before you book.
More details
In short
The R500 low-value concession ended on 1 September 2024, so 15% VAT and customs duties where applicable now apply to imported parcels regardless of value. Duty bands for clothing, textiles and footwear range from 20% to 45%.
Good to know
- Simplified private imports may have an annual cap; check with SARS.
- Ask the courier for current clearance charges.