Willem · 21 Sept 2026
Our factory in Paarl currently buys European spare parts through a local agent at a 60% markup. We want to import directly from Germany and Italy via airfreight. How long does getting a SARS Importer's Code take on eFiling, and how do we claim duty-free status under the SADC-EU EPA?
ImportKing_JHB · 21 Sept 2026
@willem_agri You can apply for your SARS Customs Importer's Code directly on SARS eFiling under the RLA (Registration, Licensing and Accreditation) tab, if your tax compliance status and company address documents match, it comes through in 3 to 7 working days. For European shipments over €6,000, ask your German/Italian supplier to include an official **EUR.1 Movement Certificate** (or an approved exporter origin declaration on the commercial invoice for shipments under €6,000) so your clearing agent can claim preferential 0% duty under the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
DurbanFreight · 21 Sept 2026
Great advice from @importking_jhb. Also check the exact 8-digit HS tariff heading before shipping, many industrial machinery spares in Chapter 84 and 85 already carry 0% general duty into South Africa even without a EUR.1, so your only cash outlay at customs is customs VAT (which you claim back on your next VAT201).