What makes retail logistics different.
Seasonal timing is unforgiving
Christmas, back-to-school, Easter — retail supply chains live and die by windows. A shipment that arrives two weeks late doesn't just miss sales, it misses the entire season.
Multi-SKU complexity
Dozens of product lines, multiple suppliers, multiple containers — all converging on the same distribution centre at different times. One gap in the chain affects every dependent SKU.
Consumer goods compliance
NRCS letters of authority, SABS certification and SARS import requirements for consumer goods are more demanding than most categories. Non-compliance means goods held — or destroyed — at the port.
Supplier variability
Overseas suppliers miss production deadlines, under-pack containers and send wrong documentation. Your logistics partner needs to catch these issues before cargo ships — not when it arrives.
Logistics matched to the retail calendar.
Seasonal import planning
We work backwards from your shelf date. Vessel cut-off, sailing schedule, transit time, customs clearance and delivery lead time — all mapped to ensure goods arrive in the right window.
Multi-SKU consolidation
LCL groupage and FCL consolidation managed across multiple suppliers to reduce freight cost and simplify inbound logistics. One shipment, multiple product lines, one delivery.
Supplier documentation management
We issue packing instructions and documentation requirements to your suppliers and verify compliance before cargo is loaded. Wrong carton counts, mislabelled goods and incorrect invoices caught at origin.
NRCS & consumer goods compliance
Letters of authority, SABS type approval and SARS import compliance for consumer goods managed in-house. We know which product categories trigger NRCS requirements and handle applications proactively.
Distribution centre delivery coordination
Booking slots, delivery windows and inbound scheduling at major SA distribution centres managed as part of the shipment — not an afterthought after goods are cleared.
Year-round volume management
For retailers with consistent import programmes, we manage the full annual cycle — lane planning, carrier rate negotiations, compliance reviews and supplier audits — not just individual shipments.
Consumer goods compliance in South Africa.
Consumer goods — electrical appliances, toys, PPE, cosmetics and certain textiles — require NRCS letters of authority before import. We identify product categories and manage applications.
Consumer goods tariff classifications reviewed for accuracy. Anti-dumping duties on certain categories (particularly from China) checked on every entry.
Imported food products, packaging with agricultural content and certain consumables require phytosanitary clearance. Certificates coordinated at origin before shipment.
Health and beauty products, OTC medicines and some wellness goods require SAHPRA registration or notification. Confirmed before orders are placed.
Suppliers behind South Africa's biggest retail shelves trust us.
We've managed import programmes for suppliers to Makro, Dis-Chem, Clicks and City Power. Retail logistics has a rhythm — seasonal peaks, consistent replenishment, tight delivery windows. We work to that rhythm.
Talk to us about your import programmeShelf date is the deadline
We plan from the shelf date backwards. Vessel cut-off, sailing schedule, clearance time and DC delivery — all mapped so goods arrive in the window.
Supplier issues caught at origin
Wrong carton counts, mislabelled goods and incorrect documents caught before cargo ships. Not when the container is opened at the DC.
NRCS compliance built in
Consumer goods compliance checked at order stage. Letters of authority and certifications managed before goods arrive — no port holds.
Services we use for retailers.
Ocean Freight
FCL and LCL on China, Europe and Americas lanes — the main corridors for SA retail imports.
Imports Management
Supplier coordination, documentation verification and SARB compliance from order stage.
Customs Clearance
Consumer goods classification, NRCS coordination and SARS compliance — done correctly every time.
Let's talk about your retail & distribution logistics.
Tell us about your product range, import frequency and key seasonal windows. We'll design a logistics programme around your calendar.