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Every commercial importer in South Africa needs a customs client code before goods can clear in their name. Since SARS moved customs registrations onto the RLA (Registration, Licensing & Accreditation) platform on eFiling, the process is online — but it is not instant, and a missing document can stall you for days. This walkthrough takes you through it cleanly.
What RLA is and why it exists
RLA is the modernised SARS system for registering, licensing and accrediting customs clients. It replaced the old paper DA 185 capture process with a guided online application on eFiling. Through RLA you register your client type — Importer, Exporter, Clearing Agent, Warehouse Licensee and so on — and receive the corresponding customs code.
Before you start — prerequisites
- An active SARS eFiling profile for the entity (individual, company or trust)
- A valid income tax reference number and good tax compliance status — outstanding debt or unfiled returns will block you
- CIPC registration details if you are a company
- Registered physical and postal address
- Banking details in the entity's name
- A customs-specific representative (RLA requires you to nominate the person who acts for the entity on customs matters)
Step-by-step
Under the Customs menu, open the Registration, Licensing & Accreditation dashboard.
RLA pulls your registered particulars. Verify them and nominate the customs representative.
Start a new registration and select the Importer client type. RLA guides you through the required fields.
Typically certified ID of the representative, CIPC documents, proof of address, and proof of bank details.
Submit electronically. SARS reviews the application; you can track status on the RLA dashboard.
On approval SARS issues your importer code — quote it on every customs declaration.
Timeline and cost
- Cost: registration as an importer is free
- Time: usually a few working days once a complete application is submitted — not instant, and longer if SARS raises queries
- Plan ahead: register well before your first shipment lands; do not leave it to the day the vessel arrives
After registration — staying registered
- Keep your tax affairs compliant — SARS can suspend a customs code for non-compliance
- Update RLA promptly when your address, banking or representative changes
- If you start storing goods under bond or clearing for others, register the additional client types (warehouse licensee, etc.)
- Consider AEO/accreditation later for faster clearance once you have a clean track record
Pro tip: register before you order, not before you ship
The safest sequence is: get tax-compliant, register on RLA, get your code — then place your first order. That way nothing about the registration can delay your goods at the port.
Related guides & tools
Frequently asked questions
What is SARS RLA?
RLA (Registration, Licensing & Accreditation) is the modernised SARS platform on eFiling for registering, licensing and accrediting customs clients. It replaced the old paper DA 185 capture process: you register your client type — Importer, Exporter, Clearing Agent, Warehouse Licensee — and receive the corresponding customs code.
What do I need before starting an RLA importer application?
An active eFiling profile for the entity, a valid income tax reference number with good compliance status (outstanding debt or unfiled returns block you), CIPC details if a company, registered physical and postal addresses, banking details in the entity's name, and a nominated customs representative. Uploads typically include certified ID, CIPC documents and proof of address and bank.
How long does RLA registration take and what does it cost?
Registration as an importer is free and usually takes a few working days once a complete application is submitted — longer if SARS raises queries. The safest sequence is: get tax-compliant, register, receive your code, then place your first order.
What is the 70707070 customs code?
The occasional-importer code for a genuine one-off import — it can be used for a single clearance, but it is not a substitute for registration if you import repeatedly.
Why do RLA applications get rejected?
Tax non-compliance (settle debt and file returns first), uncertified or mismatched supporting documents, and address or banking details that do not match SARS's records. Fix these before submitting.