What a clearing agent actually does
A clearing agent (also called a customs broker or clearing & forwarding agent) lodges your customs declaration — the SAD 500 — with SARS electronically, pays the duty and import VAT on your behalf, and arranges release of the container from the terminal. They classify your goods under the correct tariff heading, work out the duty and the 15% VAT on the Added Tax Value (ATV), and handle any inspections or queries from SARS.
Because they hold a SARS-registered customs code and an EDI (electronic data interchange) connection, they can submit and amend declarations in a way that is slow and error-prone to do yourself as an occasional importer.
When you can skip an agent
- Low-value personal parcels cleared by the courier (DHL, FedEx, the Post Office) — they clear it for you and bill a handling fee.
- Non-commercial goods up to R150,000 imported under customs code 70707070, where you self-clear as a private individual.
- Established importers who have registered as self-clearers, bought clearing software with an EDI link, and have someone who knows tariff classification.
What it costs
| Charge | Typical range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing fee (per entry) | R850–R2,500 | Higher for multi-line entries |
| Cargo dues / disbursements | At cost + handling | Transnet/terminal charges passed through |
| Agency / facility fee on duty & VAT | 1–2.5% | If the agent fronts the SARS payment |
| Transport / delivery | R2,500–R6,000 | Port to your warehouse |
Always ask for the clearing fee and the disbursement basis in writing before you commit — the headline fee is only part of the bill.
How to choose a good one
- Licensed with SARS and a member of a body such as SAAFF (SA Association of Freight Forwarders).
- Experience with your commodity and tariff chapter.
- Transparent, itemised quotes — clearing fee separate from disbursements.
- Responsive: they tell you the moment SARS stops or queries a shipment.
- Covered by professional indemnity insurance.
Find a vetted customs broker
Browse SA clearing and customs agents by location and specialisation in our directory.
Find a customs broker →Frequently asked questions
Is a clearing agent legally required in South Africa?
No. You may clear your own goods if you have an importer’s code and register as a self-clearer with SARS. Most importers choose an agent for speed and to avoid classification errors.
How much does a clearing agent charge per shipment?
A clearing fee is typically R850–R2,500 per entry in 2026, plus pass-through Transnet/terminal disbursements and sometimes a 1–2.5% facility fee if they pay the duty and VAT for you.
Who is liable if the agent classifies my goods wrongly?
The importer remains legally responsible to SARS for the declaration, including the tariff code and value, even when an agent submitted it. Choose a careful agent and keep your own records.
Can a courier clear goods without an agent?
Yes — for express parcels the courier acts as the clearer and charges a handling fee. For sea-freight containers you will normally use a clearing agent.
Related guides
Sources: SARS Customs; SAAFF. Last updated June 2026. This article is informational only — confirm fees with your chosen agent.