FAQ

How much would it cost to import a product from China?

We would require more information as there are two options available to choose from:

Our standard fee structure would be forwarded to you for the specific requirement, or you could take the opportunity to explore a more comprehensive estimate with all regulations and requirements.

Options available:

▸ We guide you through the process and information list would follow upon receiving your decision on which option would be viable for your company.

▸ The second option is to outsource all to us and we are your sourcing and clearing agent, even taking care of the forex payments with any additional requirements

What are tariff codes and customs duties?

We have two service offerings to all customers, the basic information for free and a detailed report through tariff clarification to assist our customers in making informed decisions.

What is an import or export license a.k.a. customs code?

You need this license for import or export. You may apply for both import and export simultaniously. Registrations completed through the origin authorities for customs and excise clients.

The type of license you apply for would indicate where it is applicable and may be used.

What is the difference between an import/export license (customs code) and company registration?

An import or export license or perhaps both versus a company registration number is that the customs code indicates for which transaction license your company is registered to do business. Therefore for imports or export or both, perhaps even for some of the trade incentives.

A company registration confirms that you have registered for a company doing specific business in the origin country with all the relevant government requirements.

What is Customs VAT?

When importing goods into South Africa one of the many costs associated with the import is something called Customs VAT which is usually paid to the clearing agent with all the other expenses and import charges.

What is the difference between a quotation and estimate?

A quotation is a fixed-price offer that can't be changed once accepted by the customer. This holds true even if you have to carry out much more work than you expected. If you think this is likely to happen, it makes more sense to give an estimate. You can also specify in the quotation precisely what it covers, and that variations outside of this will be subject to additional charges.

An estimate is an educated guess at what a job may cost - but it isn't binding. To take account of possible unforeseen developments, you should provide several estimates based on various circumstances, including the worst-case scenario. This will prevent your customer from being surprised by the costs.

What are INCO Terms and what should be considered before agreeing to the INCO Term?

Incoterms are a set of rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts. They are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are widely used in commercial transactions.

First confirm if the negotiations will be done with INCO Terms 2000 or 2010, then decide on how to move forward.

Brief overview is that an INCO Term determine the risk and cost during the physical movement of the goods, not the transfer of ownership or title.

INCO Term Pitfalls to avoid:

▸ If the INCO Term call for a named place, such "FCA, named place", you need to ensure the information is noted to avoid disputes between seller and buyer.

▸Understand which INCO Terms is use in which mode of transport or perhaps are multi-mode terms relevant to the INCO Term version applicable, therefore 2000 or 2010, as this will definitely add to the bottom line cost.

▸Understand the origin or destination country's terminology even though INCO Terms are applied internationally to guide global trade, there is still countries that have a different opinion.

▸ INCO Terms that include insurance, such as "CIF (cost of insurance freight), CIP (carriage and insurance paid to)". You need to understand the full insurance offering and confirm it meets your requirements, as it states that the seller offering these terms must meet the minimum insurance requirements, therefore if the buyer does not confirm, it can lead to inadequate or no insurance.