Your situation
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim back overpaid customs duty in South Africa?
Yes — if you can show you paid duty you were not liable for (wrong tariff heading, valuation or clerical error, or a preferential rate you failed to claim), you can apply to SARS for a refund on form DA 66 with supporting documents. The catch is the deadline: applications must generally be made within two years of the goods clearing for home consumption.
What is a customs drawback?
A drawback refunds duty you paid on imported goods (or materials) that you subsequently export — most commonly inputs used to manufacture goods for export, under the items of Schedule 5 to the Customs and Excise Act. It is claimed on the DA 66 with proof of both the import and the export.
How long do I have to claim a customs refund from SARS?
Generally two years, running from the date the goods were entered for home consumption (or the date the amount was paid, depending on the claim type). Miss the window and the claim is time-barred regardless of merit — which is why a periodic review of past entries pays.
What documents do I need for a DA 66 refund claim?
The DA 66 application plus the evidence for your specific ground: the original bill of entry (SAD500) and worksheet, commercial invoice, proof of payment of the duty, and the proof of the error — a tariff determination for classification claims, corrected valuation workings, the certificate of origin for missed preferences, or export documentation for drawbacks and re-exports.