Import Permits & ITAC: When You Need One

What is ITAC and what does it control?

The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) is a statutory body established under the International Trade Administration Act (Act 71 of 2002). Its mandate covers import and export control, tariff investigations, and trade remedy measures (anti-dumping, countervailing, safeguard). For importers, ITAC's key function is issuing import permits for goods that the government has determined require supervision.

Import control in South Africa serves several policy goals: protecting domestic industries from surges of cheap imports, managing strategic commodities (scrap metal, certain chemicals), enforcing health and safety standards, and honouring international treaty obligations on controlled substances. The permit system is the mechanism that enforces these goals at the border — SARS Customs will not release controlled goods without a valid permit on the entry.

Common categories that require import permits

The following are the most frequently encountered permit categories for South African importers as of 2026. This is not an exhaustive list — always verify your specific HS code against the ITAC and SARS controlled-goods schedules:

How to check if your goods need a permit

The definitive check is against Schedule 2 of the Customs and Excise Act (published by SARS) and the ITAC Import Control Regulations published in the Government Gazette. The practical process:

1. Determine your 8-digit SA tariff code (see the HS Codes & Tariff Classification guide).
2. Search the SARS Tariff Book online — controlled tariff lines are annotated with a permit indicator (often "P" or "R" beside the tariff code).
3. Cross-check on the ITAC website (itac.org.za) → Import Control → Controlled Goods list.
4. Ask your clearing agent to confirm — they deal with the ITAC schedule daily.

Applying for an ITAC import permit — step by step

ITAC processes permit applications electronically via its online portal. The general steps are:

Step 1 — Register on the ITAC e-portal

Go to itac.org.za and register as a user. You'll need your SARS customs client number (importer's code), company registration number (CIPC), and tax clearance status confirmation. Registration is free.

Step 2 — Complete the import permit application

The application form asks for: the 8-digit tariff code, product description, country of origin, quantity (in the tariff unit of measure), value in ZAR and the foreign currency, intended use (resale, own use, processing), and the supplier's name and address. For sector-specific categories (e.g. poultry) additional documentation is required — see below.

Step 3 — Attach supporting documents

Step 4 — Wait for approval

Routine applications for non-sensitive goods: 15–20 business days. Sector-specific categories (poultry, sugar, scrap) may take 30–45 business days as they involve consultation with sector bodies and the relevant government department. You can track status on the ITAC portal.

Step 5 — Use the permit on your entry

Once issued, your ITAC permit has a validity period (typically 12 months from issue date) and covers a specific quantity. Your clearing agent inserts the permit number on the Bill of Entry. SARS will verify the permit number against the ITAC database before releasing the goods. You may not exceed the quantity authorised by the permit in a single entry — if your shipment exceeds it, you'll need a new application for the balance.

What happens if you import controlled goods without a permit?

SARS will not release the goods. The consignment will be held at the port or border pending either a valid permit or forfeiture. You remain liable for storage and demurrage during the detention period. Under section 89 of the Customs and Excise Act, importing controlled goods without a valid permit is a criminal offence — penalties include fines and imprisonment. In practice, SARS more commonly detains and eventually auctions or destroys the goods rather than pursuing prosecution for first-time unintentional violations, but this is discretionary.

Frequently asked questions

Does every importer need an ITAC permit?

No. Most goods enter South Africa freely with no permit required — just a standard Bill of Entry, importer's code, and payment of applicable duties and VAT. Permits are only required for specific restricted tariff codes listed in ITAC's import control schedules. Your clearing agent checks this for every shipment.

How much does an ITAC import permit cost?

ITAC charges a permit fee based on the value of the goods — currently a sliding scale starting from around R250 for low-value shipments up to several thousand rand for high-value commercial consignments. Fees are published on the ITAC website and are subject to change. The permit fee is separate from any customs duties and import VAT payable to SARS.

Can I apply for an ITAC permit after my goods have already shipped?

You can apply at any time, but it is strongly inadvisable to ship before the permit is issued. If your goods arrive at port before your permit is approved, they will be held in a bonded warehouse — at your cost and risk — until the permit is issued. For perishable goods this can be catastrophic. Always obtain the permit before the ship departs origin port.

Is an ITAC permit the same as a phytosanitary certificate?

No. A phytosanitary certificate is issued by the plant health authority in the exporting country and proves the goods are free from pests and diseases. It is required for plants, seeds, fresh produce, and certain plant-derived products, and is a document on the Bill of Entry — not a permit granted by ITAC. ITAC permits and phytosanitary certificates are separate requirements and some shipments require both.

Does ITAC ever refuse import permit applications?

Yes. ITAC can refuse, limit, or impose conditions on a permit — particularly for goods subject to anti-dumping or safeguard measures, or goods that conflict with domestic-industry protection policy. Common grounds for refusal include tax non-compliance (outstanding SARS debt), incomplete documentation, and goods that exceed the quantities permitted under active safeguard investigations. ITAC provides written reasons and you may appeal within 30 days of the decision.

Related guides

• HS Codes & Tariff Classification for SA Importers
• How to Register as an Importer with SARS (DA 185)
• Customs Clearance Documents Checklist for SA Importers
• All importing-into-SA guides →