What makes manufacturing logistics different.
Manufacturers importing into South Africa face compliance and timing pressures that general freight forwarders aren't built to handle.
Production line downtime
A delayed raw material shipment doesn't just delay one order — it stops the entire line. Every hour of downtime has a calculable cost. Your logistics partner needs to understand that.
Technical tariff classification
Machinery, components and industrial inputs require precise HS classification. Wrong codes mean wrong duty rates, SARS audit risk and potential post-entry assessments that wipe out margin.
Capital equipment permits
Importing plant, machinery and industrial equipment into South Africa often requires ITAC permits and SARB exchange control compliance. These take time — and need to be initiated before the equipment ships.
Multi-origin supply chains
Raw materials from China, components from Germany, packaging from India — all converging on the same production schedule. Managing multiple forwarders across multiple origins creates gaps no one owns.
Logistics matched to how manufacturers actually operate.
JIT-aligned arrival scheduling
We plan arrival dates against your production schedule, not just against vessel ETAs. Buffer stock requirements, lead times and line priorities are factored into every booking decision.
Technical HS classification
Industrial components, machinery parts and raw materials are classified by experienced classifiers. We check for applicable manufacturing rebates under Schedule 3 and 4 of the SA Customs Tariff before every entry.
ITAC permit coordination
Capital equipment import permits identified and applications initiated before the equipment is ready to ship. We manage the ITAC process so permits don't become the bottleneck.
Multi-origin consolidation
Suppliers across China, Europe and the Americas managed through one team. We consolidate freight where it makes sense and give you a single view across every active shipment.
Air freight escalation
When an ocean shipment is running late and a line stoppage is on the horizon, we escalate to air freight — fast. The decision, booking and documentation happen in hours, not days.
Duty optimisation for manufacturing inputs
Manufacturing rebates, Schedule 4 concessions and SADC/EU preference rates reviewed on every entry. Where your inputs qualify for reduced duty, we claim it.
The regulatory requirements we manage for manufacturers.
Import permits required for capital equipment, machinery and certain industrial inputs. We initiate applications early enough that permits don't delay delivery.
Correct HS classification for technical components is non-negotiable. We classify industrial inputs accurately and apply manufacturing rebates where available under the SA Customs Tariff.
Advance payment notifications for supplier payments and foreign exchange compliance managed as part of every import cycle.
Certain imported components — electrical equipment, PPE, pressure vessels — require NRCS letters of authority. Identified and resolved before cargo arrives at port.
We understand what a line stoppage costs.
When a shipment is late and a production line is at risk, you need a logistics partner who reacts immediately — not one that sends a holding email. We treat production-critical shipments with the urgency they deserve.
Talk to us about your operationProduction schedule is our schedule
We plan arrivals against your line requirements, not just vessel ETAs. Buffer stock and lead times are part of every conversation.
Permits before equipment ships
ITAC applications initiated at order stage. Capital equipment doesn't wait at Durban port for a permit that could have been filed weeks earlier.
Air freight escalation in hours
When ocean freight timing puts a line at risk, we escalate to air. The decision happens in a phone call — not a three-day email chain.
Services we use for manufacturers.
Imports Management
Order-stage involvement for manufacturing supply chains. Full landed cost, SARB and permit compliance from the start.
Customs Clearance
Technical HS classification for industrial components, manufacturing rebates and capital equipment clearance.
Ocean Freight
FCL and LCL on China, Europe and Americas lanes — the main corridors for SA manufacturing inputs.
Let's talk about your manufacturing logistics.
Tell us what you're importing and your production schedule. We'll map out a logistics plan that keeps your line moving.