Anyone with private imports had their stuff stopped at customs yet requiring an importers code?

[Xirious]

Wondering whether the three consignments restriction is being enforced heavily (specifically the one detailed here: How to register as an importer in South Africa)? Has anyone had their stuff stopped at customs recently because of this?

Don't have a company so was wondering how much of an effort it is to register... Or do any of you know of someone who does it for a fee?

 

[Souperman]

I've brought in multiple items (15-20 already) from Aliexpress & Amazon and have not had any issues with the new import law shit. the costs etc have stayed the same as per previous imports before the new law. Don't know if I'm just lucky.

The items from Aliexpress I bring in with Aramex Global Shopper.

 

[Xirious]

@Souperman That's some good reassurance. How's your experience with Aliexpress? How long do the shipments usually take?

Also how do you specify Aramax Global Shopper? Can't see the option on the one or two things I tried on Aliexpress.

 

[Souperman]

Aliexpress is awesome. Never had any issues with it. IF you bring items through the post office and pay very little shipping, you wait at least 3-6 months. You need to register for AGS separately.

 

[Xirious]

Awesome thanks. AGS looks really cool - do they estimate shipping+customs like Amazon or is it a separate payment upon arrival in the country?

 

[noa]

Awesome thanks. AGS looks really cool - do they estimate shipping+customs like Amazon or is it a separate payment upon arrival in the country?

It's a seperate payment upon arrival. They should have a calculator on their page, the prices are reasonable.

You ship to an AGS warehouse and they scan the weight etc.
they then add it to your dashboard with the price you should pay according to the weight.
It then ships to Jhb, on the way there you should upload an invoice for the item, I just take a screenshot of the order from aliexpress.
Once it's in JHB they do the customs stuff, if customs says there are additional charges they add that to your bill + R50 (i think) clearance fee.

You pay them the final bill and then they clear it to be delivered to your door.

 

[jaxx]

I've brought in multiple items (15-20 already) from Aliexpress & Amazon and have not had any issues with the new import law shit. the costs etc have stayed the same as per previous imports before the new law. Don't know if I'm just lucky.

The items from Aliexpress I bring in with Aramex Global Shopper.

Hey,

Did you bring in >3 items of value greater than R500 ?
SARS don't charge custom duties on items of value <R500, so I'm wondering if an item of value <R500 counts towards the 3 unit quota.

 

[DannyBoyOPC]

You will require a importers code, although people haven't had issues it doesn't stop them from pulling your parcel and giving you a fine for the parcel before releasing it.

Once you pick up problem with customs you will have endless problems going forward.

As for the importers code...you don't need to be a company to get one, you just need to complete the forms in your personal capacity and provide the required documentation and hand in the forms.
They will take about 10 days and then you will receive feedback on the code

 

[Ho3n3r]

Don't have a company so was wondering how much of an effort it is to register... Or do any of you know of someone who does it for a fee?

@ScottulusMaximus

 

[Chuck_Norris]

Use AGS a few times, there is also quite a bit of extra charges. In the end I could have get what I wanted locally cheaper than Aliexpress + AGS.

Gearbest + Banggood have a bit more price wise vs ali but they have faster shipping options.

I have used ScottulusMaximus before, worked out to order + postage + small handling fee and then you don't have to worry about anything.

Best for importing is anticipate what you need and order upfront. Always select a order with a tracking number. This will save your package.

 

[Deago999]

I got my importers code in preparation for that crack down.

Havent heard of anyone without one being held - but I think its tempting fate to be honest.

Because they are within their right to hold it and when they do - the fees start piling up (handling fees, storage fees etc etc) - so Id just rather not risk it.

 

[Souperman]

Hey,

Did you bring in >3 items of value greater than R500 ?
SARS don't charge custom duties on items of value <R500, so I'm wondering if an item of value <R500 counts towards the 3 unit quota.

About 5-7 of those items were > R500. Hence why I said in my first response maybe I'm just lucky

 

[Deago999]

Hey,

Did you bring in >3 items of value greater than R500 ?
SARS don't charge custom duties on items of value <R500, so I'm wondering if an item of value <R500 counts towards the 3 unit quota.

As far as I am aware - you are limited to:

3 consignments per year
OR
R50 000 of Value per year

Whichever comes first.

So even if you ordered 3 $1.00 (R16+-) items - in a year and they arrive as 3 separate packages. You have met your quota, before you need an importers license.

 

[DannyBoyOPC]

As far as I am aware - you are limited to:

3 consignments per year
OR
R50 000 of Value per year

Whichever comes first.

So even if you ordered 3 $1.00 (R16+-) items - in a year and they arrive as 3 separate packages. You have met your quota, before you need an importers license.

Correct these are the limitation that have been set lately.
Also, the parcels are added. Its no longer seen as this one wazs R300 and that one was R250, they now see them as R550 which requires customs clearance.

 

[Cavie]

Sorry for necro - this is the closest thread I could find to what I was looking for!

Has anyone gone through the process of registering for an importers license in a private capacity? I'm keen to do this, and would appreciate any advice.

 

[DannyBoyOPC]

Sorry for necro - this is the closest thread I could find to what I was looking for!

Has anyone gone through the process of registering for an importers license in a private capacity? I'm keen to do this, and would appreciate any advice.

yes its easy to do and its free. .the only thing you gonna waste is some time completing all the forms and handing them in at the Customs and Excise office(alberton or pretoria)

You need to have the following

Proof of Residency
Tax Compliance Certificate (can get at the tax office or pull of Efiling)
Certified Copy of ID
Completed DA185 Form
Completed DA185.4A1 Form
Proof of Bank Account (letter from Online banking or original from bank)
Letter of Intent

If you need any assistance or more information you welcome to reach out to me via PM

 

[aomar296]

Hi guys

How long does the shipping through Aramex take vs the Post Office?

Are shipments coming through now during level 3?

Thanks

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