Our Services

1. Customs Licensing and Registrations

1. Customs Licensing and Registrations

SCC assist with all SARS Customs registrations and licensing requirements.
• Importer Code

Registration authorizing a business or individual to legally import goods into South Africa in compliance with customs regulations.

• Exporter Code

Registration authorizing a business or individual to legally export goods.

• Rebate User

Businesses may receive customs duty relief or reduced duty on certain imported or manufactured goods that qualify for rebate provisions.

• Special Storage Warehouse

Facility granted by SARS to a trader to store imported goods in a customs-controlled warehouse by deferring duties and taxes to a later stage.

• Excise warehouse

Facility granted by SARS to a trader to manufacture or store excisable products, such as alcohol, tobacco, or fuel, under excise control in compliance with SARS regulations

• Clearing and Forwarding Agent

The process of handling shipping documents, arranging the transport of goods, processing customs paperwork and paying duties for the goods, so they can move legally and smoothly between countries.

• Customs Container Depot

a customs container depot is a secure facility appointed by the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) under Section 6 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964. These depots are primarily used for the storage, examination, and processing of containerised cargo before it is cleared for “home use” (local consumption) or prepared for export.

2. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

2. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

AEO accreditation helps businesses streamline customs processes, improve trade security, and gain trusted trader benefits with SARS Customs. SCC assists with AEO applications and compliance.
• Financial Advantages

freeing up trapped working capital by minimizing the cash or bank guarantees you must pledge to customs authorities

• Faster customs clearance

shorter turnaround times with immediate processing and pre-clearance capabilities.

• Reduced inspections

The ability to request customs controls and inspections at your own private premises rather than ports of entry.

• Supply chain recognition

Worldwide recognition that your internal security, business partner vetting, and physical premises operate at the WCO standards.

• Enhanced credibility as a trusted trader with SARS Customs

AEO status is recognized by major trading partners across the globe, allowing foreign customs authorities to extend similar fast-track facilitations to your cargo.

3. Customs Queries

3. Customs Queries

Navigating Customs & Excise legislation and SARS procedures can be complex, often leading to penalties, additional duties, VAT, interest, or legal disputes. SCC provides expert guidance and support to help businesses and individuals resolve customs-related matters efficiently.
• Import & Export

Assistance with customs procedures for bringing goods into South Africa or sending goods abroad, including declarations, compliance, and documentation to ensure smooth clearance.

• Bonded Cargo

SCC will conduct pre-audits of the storage warehouses and special storage warehouses for the bonded goods, bond register and the shipping and customs documents.

• Tariff

Guidance on the correct customs tariff classification of goods to determine applicable duties, taxes, and import/export restrictions in line with South African government requirements.

• Valuation

Assistance in determining the correct customs value of goods for import or export purposes, ensuring compliance with SARS valuation rules and avoiding penalties or under/over-declaration issues.

• Rebates User (Manufacturer)

SCC will conduct pre-audits of the rebate manufacturing plant.

• Appeals

Assistance with disputing SARS decisions, including penalties, assessments, or classifications, through formal objection and appeal processes to resolve customs disputes effectively.

4. Compliance requirements of other Government Departments

4. Compliance requirements of other Government Departments

Imports and exports are highly regulated, and compliance is essential for smooth trade operations. SCC assists businesses with obtaining the necessary permits, licences, certificates, and quotas required for import and export activities in South Africa.

Departments SCC can assist with:

  • Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)
  • National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)
  • Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
  • Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
  • South African Police Service (SAPS)
  • South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator (SADPMR)
  • South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)
  • Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
  • South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
  • National Consumer Commission (NCC)
  • Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
5. Improve Business efficiency

5. Improve Business efficiency

  • Stay audit-ready with SCC. We help businesses ensure full Customs & Excise compliance by reviewing processes, identifying risks early, and strengthening internal controls before SARS audits occur.
  • Our support includes audit readiness checks, tariff and declaration reviews, and trade data analysis to ensure accuracy and reduce exposure to penalties, duties, and interest.
  • With SCC, you stay compliant, reduce risk, and are always prepared for a smooth SARS audit outcome.