What is Duty and Tax

Customs Duty is a tax charged on all products shipped from outside of South Africa. These duties are imposed by the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and controlled by South African Customs. They are levied on imported goods with the aim of raising revenue and protecting the local market. They are usually calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods (set in the schedules to the Customs and Excise Act).

Who has to pay?

The person or business receiving the shipment is legally obliged to pay Duty unless the "Bill Sender Duties and Taxes" or "Bill Third Party Duties and Taxes" box is marked on the (Air) Waybill and a valid FedEx Account Number is indicated on the (Air) Waybill.

What is the clearance administration charge?

FedEx pays the Duty and Tax charges on your behalf to ensure we can deliver your shipment as quickly as possible. This incurs an administration fee of 5% of duties & taxes with a minimum of 150 ZAR, whichever is greater.

Why didn’t FedEx Express advise me of this?

Where possible, we will contact you in advance with an estimated cost of Duties and Taxes prior to your shipment being assessed by South African Customs.

I paid Tax when I purchased this item

Goods purchased from outside of South Africa may be subject to tax charges from the originating country and the shipper may charge you for this. If this is the case, South African Customs import charges will still be levied when the goods enter South Africa, as this is a separate charge.

I pre-paid Duty and Tax charges before delivery

At the time of import, you may be charged an estimated figure. This is calculated prior to an assessment of your shipment by South African Customs. If the estimate is lower than the final charge you will be required to pay the difference, and if it is higher we will refund the difference.

If the amount of your invoice is different to the amount you pre-paid, please get in touch with FedEx Customer Service.

I believe the shipper paid for all charges relating to this shipment

Duty and Tax charges are not assessed until the shipment enters South Africa. If your shipper has advised they have paid FedEx for these charges, this usually relates to the payment they have made for transportation charges and not Duty or Tax.

I am a temporary visitor to South Africa 

You will need to pay the import charges but may be entitled to claim the charges back when you leave South Africa. This depends on the individual circumstances of your package. Please contact Customer Service on for further information.  

I purchased my goods online 

The prices advertised on websites outside of South Africa often do not include South African Duty. This can make products appear cheaper when compared to South African prices. For more information and advice visit the South African Customs dedicated website

The shipment is a gift 

Items up to R1400 ZAR in value that meet the following South African Customs criteria are not liable for import charges: The shipment must be sent directly from person to person.

The sender must be a private individual.

The gift must be of an "occasional nature" (no more than twice a year to qualify).

The word ""gift"" must be marked on the Air Waybill and commercial invoice.

All items must be itemised with their own full description and value.

Please note that items containing alcohol and tobacco will incur Excise Duty. Items containing food may need to have additional documentation and be subject to further checks which could result with additional charges.

The shipment contains samples 

Samples can be imported to South Africa without Duty or Tax charges as long as they meet the following South African Customs conditions:

Can only be used as samples.

Are of a negligible value and quantity.

Intended to obtain orders for the type of goods represented.

The commercial invoice and any other paperwork provided with the shipment must declare this information. This will enable South African Customs to make the appropriate entry.

My goods are second hand

South African Customs assess Duty and Tax liability regardless of age or previous ownership.

How do I reject the shipment? 

You will need to pay any Duties and Taxes to FedEx as FedEx has already paid Customs on your behalf, and then process a refund application directly with FedEx.

More information about Duties and Taxes 

For more information relating to Duties and Taxes, please refer to South African Customs Office: 

Landline: 0800 00 7277

If you're calling from abroad: +27800 00 7277