Package | South Africa | cheap | shipping | send | costs | customs
Send a package to South Africa cheaply for private individuals & businesses/trading companies
Do you want to send a package to South Africa, or does your company want to ship goods to South Africa on a large scale? Whether you're a business or an individual – worldwideWe ship your packages affordably and handle the entire process of your shipment. Thanks to our long-standing partnerships with leading shipping providers, we can offer you unbeatable, affordable, and reliable shipping solutions. Our shipping cost calculator allows you to quickly and easily compare rates from leading providers such as DHL Economy/Premium, DHL Express, FedEx, and UPS, and book your shipment instantly. We take care of package pickup, communication with your customers, shipping providers, and customs, as well as all customs clearance, ensuring your shipment arrives safely and without any issues. Trust our expertise for seamless shipping to South Africa!
Various shipping options and methods to South Africa
Whether you want to ship smartphones, car tires, skis, suitcases, pallets, high-value technological goods, or heavy freight shipments to South Africa – we offer flexible shipping options to meet your needs. worldwideAs your reliable partner, we can safely ship all common items to South Africa, including customs clearance:
- Packages
- parcel
- Documents
- Pallets
- Bulky goods
- Sea chests
- Container LCL/FCL
Choose from various transport options such as air (airplane), sea (ship) or even rail (train), and opt for Economy, Premium or Express shipping to ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time.
Pallet, freight & bulky goods shipping to South Africa
If your goods cannot be transported in standard, rectangular boxes, most shipping companies consider them bulky goods. worldwideShipping bulky goods to South Africa is also possible. Weight limits for bulky goods classification vary depending on the shipping provider, but are often around 31,5 kg. Such goods often need to be shipped on a pallet to ensure safe handling. We offer various shipping rates for pallet shipments to South Africa, including options from DHL Express, FedEx, and DB Schenker. Detailed information can be found in the rate details of our shipping cost calculator.
Additional Information:
South Africa has specific customs regulations that vary depending on the type and value of the goods. It is essential that all required documents are correctly completed and submitted to avoid customs delays. Our experts are available to assist you in complying with these regulations and ensuring the smoothest possible shipping process.
South Africa levies import duties and taxes on most goods, and certain products are subject to strict import restrictions or require special permits. We assist you in calculating and processing these costs, ensuring your shipment reaches its destination safely and without unexpected additional charges.
Shipping to South Africa: Facts at a glance
Shipping to South Africa can present some challenges, particularly due to specific customs regulations and logistical requirements. We are happy to assist you in handling your shipment safely and smoothly.
Below you will find all the essential information you need.
Required documents for customs & import to South Africa
Various documents are required for shipping to South Africa and customs clearance. We will handle the creation and management of these documents for you.
- Customs content declaration (CN22/23): This declaration is required for parcels and packages and must be completed in English. It provides information about the contents, value, and purpose of the shipment (e.g., gift, sale).
- Commercial invoice: For commercial shipments, a commercial invoice is required, containing detailed information about the sender, recipient and the goods shipped, including the quantity, value and a precise description.
- Proforma invoice: This serves as a value declaration for private shipments and is required for customs clearance if no commercial invoice is available.
- Package card: This card contains the recipient's details and facilitates the identification of the shipment during transport and delivery.
- Export accompanying document (EAD): This document is required if the value of the goods exceeds €1.000 or if special export regulations apply. It ensures that the export is properly registered.
- EORI number: For commercial shipments, an EORI number is required to process international trade. This number serves to identify the sender to customs authorities.
- Import permits and certificate of origin: For certain product categories, such as food, medicines, or electronics, import permits or a certificate of origin may be required. These documents confirm the origin and eligibility for import of the goods.
New additionAll required documents for shipping to South Africa can now be processed digitally, eliminating the need for physical copies. We'll handle this transition for you! This means a simplified and faster shipping process, paperless operations, and 20% faster processing. All documents we create are stored legally compliant in our portal along with your personal records.
Correct address format, postal codes and restricted delivery areas
When shipping to South Africa, the destination address must be entered in a specific format that differs from the formats used in Europe. But don't worry – we'll take care of it for you! Simply enter your details in the designated address fields during booking, and we'll handle the rest. This prevents addressing errors and guarantees your shipment arrives safely and correctly.
Please note that there may be restrictions on deliveries to certain regions in South Africa. If your destination region is affected, this will be indicated during the booking process or in the shipping cost calculator when you enter the recipient's postcode.
Proper packaging
When shipping to South Africa, your goods should be packed in sturdy, at least double-walled cardboard boxes to ensure sufficient robustness for transport. Make sure the contents are firmly seated and well secured inside the box so that nothing shifts during transit. This will ensure your shipment arrives safely and undamaged. When shipping on pallets, the goods must be securely fastened to the pallet with straps, and nothing should protrude. It's best to wrap the goods in transparent film for added security – while not strictly necessary, it's a safer option.
Shipment tracking / Tracking & Document Management
With our convenient shipment tracking, you can always keep an eye on your delivery to South Africa. Log in to your portal and check your shipping overview, or simply enter your tracking number to track your package's current location in real time. This way, you're always informed about the whereabouts of your shipment. You can also receive email notifications about the shipment status.
Simple, transparent and reliable!
All necessary shipping documents can also be found in the portal.
transport insurance
If you worldwideWhen you use our shipping service for your shipments to South Africa, each package is insured for up to €500 by default – at no extra charge. If you require higher insurance coverage, you can add it during the ordering process to ensure optimal protection for your shipment.
How long does shipping to South Africa take?
Shipping time to South Africa depends on the chosen shipping option and the transport route. Based on our experience and information from the shipping providers, a package from Germany to South Africa can usually be delivered within 5 to 17 business days.
- Express Shipping: 5 - 7 working days
- Premium shipping: 8 - 14 working days
- Economy/Standard shipping: 10 - 17 working days
- Sea freight: 4-6 weeks
Please note that the actual delivery time may vary due to various factors such as customs clearance and local transport conditions. Public holidays can also cause delays. But don't worry – our portal will inform you of any potential delays during the booking process.
Customs regulations for shipments to South Africa – We take care of it for you
When shipping to South Africa, various customs regulations must be observed. We support you in correctly carrying out the necessary steps by providing the required information. Documents We will create the necessary documents for you, thus avoiding delays or returns. The following items are required for customs clearance in South Africa:
- Customs content declaration CN22/23: This form must be completed in English or Dutch and clearly attached to the outside of the package. The type of customs declaration varies depending on whether it is a private or commercial shipment and is influenced by the weight and value of the goods.
- Commercial invoice: For commercial shipments, a commercial invoice is required to prove the purchase. If the value of the goods or the weight of the package exceeds €1.000 or 1.000 kg respectively, an export declaration is necessary.
- Proforma invoice: For private shipments, a pro forma invoice is sufficient to declare the value of the goods.
- EORI number: Commercial shippers must provide their EORI number (Economic Operators' Registration and Identification Number).
- Customs tariff code (HS code): The customs number or customs tariff code (HS code) must also be provided.
We take care of all the paperwork to ensure your shipment to South Africa runs smoothly.
Export declaration (MRN, ABD) in real time – we take care of it for you!
For shipments to South Africa, you need an Export Accompanying Document (EAD) with a Master Reference Number (MRN) for goods valued at €1.000 or more, or weighing 1.000 kg or more. Customs uses this document to track the flow of goods and verify compliance with export regulations. With worldwide shipping, you can easily add the EAD for your shipment to South Africa during the booking process: We automatically generate the MRN based on your information and, under certain conditions, even in real time.
Import regulations for shipments to South Africa
Specific regulations must be observed when shipping to South Africa, as the import of certain goods is restricted or prohibited. Products that may not be shipped to Aruba include:
- Weapons, ammunition and explosives: The import of weapons and related items is strictly regulated and prohibited in many cases.
- Money and precious metals: Large amounts of cash and certain precious metals are subject to strict controls and in some cases cannot be imported.
- Drugs and prescription medications: The import of drugs is prohibited, and prescription drugs may only be imported under special conditions and with appropriate authorization.
- Dangerous chemicals and other hazardous materials: The transport of such goods is subject to strict international and national regulations.
- Protected plants and animals: The import of endangered species protected under CITES agreements is only possible with the appropriate permits.
- Obscene or subversive material: Materials deemed unconstitutional or subversive are also prohibited.
Special import licenses are required for the import of certain goods, such as machinery or food. Detailed information can be obtained from the South African customs authorities or the relevant Ministry of Trade.
Special shipping conditions for certain products to South Africa
Furthermore, the following products can only be shipped to South Africa with special handling by the shipping service providers.
- Lithium batteries (loose or permanently installed in devices such as smartphones, laptops, E-Bikes etc.).
- Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits, etc.)
- Perfumes
- flammable substances such as oils
- Pressure vessels (gas cartridges, lighters, etc.)
Calculate import duties in South Africa – without unpleasant surprises
Depending on the type and value of the goods, import duties and import VAT are levied in South Africa on the recipient. These charges are determined by customs for each shipment. These so-called "landed costs" are difficult for the sender to predict and can cause unexpected expenses in the receiving country, often leading to costly returns. worldwideOur shipping service offers you an unparalleled solution to this problem: With us, you can calculate import duties and taxes during order creation and either pay them directly yourself or invoice the recipient. This allows the package to reach its destination quickly and directly, without delays caused by customs clearance. We guarantee that neither the sender nor the recipient will incur any additional costs or time expenditure.
Shipping costs to South Africa
Generally, the cost of shipping to South Africa depends on various factors, including:
- Weight and size of the shipment
- Selected shipping provider
- Shipping options + delivery time (e.g. Economy, Premium or Express)
- Shipping insurance
- Delivery address (there are regions where shipping providers charge extra)
- Possibly required export declaration (MRN, ABD)
- DDP or DDU shipping: While with DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) the recipient pays the import duties in South Africa, with DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) the sender does so.
worldwideversand offers you simple solutions and guarantees in this regard.
Use our shipping cost calculator to determine the exact costs for your shipment to South Africa, including import duties if desired. Thanks to long-standing framework agreements with shipping providers, you benefit from... worldwideShip at significantly lower prices than if you ship yourself using a shipping provider. We help you save up to 70% on shipping costs!
Commercial shipping to South Africa for retailers & businesses: Platform or plugins?
If your company wants to ship packages to South Africa, create the shipping order and select a shipping provider on our cloud-based shipping platform. You then submit the shipping data to us, and we provide the shipping and customs documents for download in our portal or your online shop. Alternatively, you can use our online shop plugins to display our shipping methods (including import duties) directly in your checkout or allow the end customer to pay them directly. The plugins pull all the data into our internal platform, which presents all the information in a clear dashboard, including shipment status and document management.
After that, you don't have to do anything else: We collect the packages from you and take care of the entire process until the package arrives at the end customer's address. Meanwhile, we handle all customer communication for you: If damage occurs during transport, there are questions regarding customs or tracking, or returns are needed, it's all part of our job. We also take care of customs clearance, including all communication, as part of our all-inclusive package: We prepare your customs documents, including the export declaration, determine the import duties, and guarantee you the total costs, including landed costs, upfront, so there are no unpleasant surprises later on. All relevant documents, such as customs and VAT documents or proof of arrival, are securely and legally stored in our dashboard.
Shipping to South Africa for private individuals
For worldwideYou can also send packages to South Africa as a private individual. In this case, you don't need a commercial invoice for customs; a pro forma invoice stating the approximate value of the goods is sufficient. We would be happy to prepare this document for you. However, please note that gift shipments from private individuals to private individuals in South Africa must not exceed a value of €125. If you wish to send goods worth more than €125, we will, of course, handle the customs clearance in South Africa for our private customers as well. worldwideThe shipping company prepares the necessary documents, such as the pro forma invoice, collects the package from you, and handles all customs communication, so you don't have to worry about anything after booking. Naturally, your shipment is insured during transport, so you can wait for delivery with peace of mind. Should any questions arise during this time, our team is available to assist you. telephone support Available to you at any time, of course.
Worldwide shipping to Egypt. Shipping software for business and personal use. With and without registration.
Guaranteed total cost*- Packages. Pallets. Sea chests.
- One portal. Many shipping providers.
- Customs clearance and customer service up to delivery.

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