Imports management is more than booking a freight forwarder.
Most import delays and cost overruns start before the cargo even leaves the supplier. We get involved at the order stage — not the port stage.
Supplier coordination
We engage directly with your overseas supplier on documentation, packing requirements and shipping instructions. You get a single point of contact on the SA side — we handle the back-and-forth.
Origin-side documentation
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin and any product-specific documentation reviewed and approved before goods are loaded. Errors caught at origin cost a fraction of what they cost at the port.
SARB & advance payment compliance
Advance Payment Notifications lodged correctly with your authorised dealer. Import permits and foreign exchange compliance managed in line with SARB requirements — no last-minute compliance gaps.
Pre-shipment quality & document checks
Before the cargo leaves the supplier's facility we verify documentation matches the purchase order, packing meets the carrier's requirements and nothing is missing that will cause a delay at destination.
Full landed cost visibility
Before goods leave origin you see a complete cost breakdown: supplier cost, freight, origin charges, customs duty, VAT on importation, port handling and our fee. No surprises when the invoice arrives.
Arrival planning & port coordination
ETA tracking from the day cargo departs. Container release, terminal slot booking and customs clearance scheduled against vessel arrival so goods move the moment they're available.
You see the full landed cost before the cargo leaves origin.
The supplier invoice is only part of the cost of importing. Most businesses find out the true cost when the final invoice arrives — too late to affect pricing or margin decisions.
We provide a complete landed cost projection at order stage. Every line item — duties, VAT, freight, handling and our fee — is visible before you commit.
SARB compliance managed as part of every import.
South African importers paying overseas suppliers operate under SARB exchange control regulations. Non-compliance creates banking and SARS complications that are expensive to unwind.
Advance Payment Notifications (APN)
Any import payment made before goods arrive in South Africa requires an APN lodged with your bank. We prepare the documentation and ensure the notification is filed correctly before funds transfer.
Import permits for exchange control
Certain categories of goods require SARB import permits as part of the foreign exchange approval process. We identify these upfront and manage the application.
Matching declarations
SARS customs entries and SARB records must align — discrepancies trigger audits. Because we manage both, the figures match from origin invoice to final customs entry.
Post-importation confirmation
After goods arrive and are cleared, we provide the bank with shipping documents confirming the import took place. This closes the exchange control loop correctly.
Built for businesses that import regularly.
Manufacturers importing raw materials
Production lines depend on consistent, on-time delivery. We manage the import cycle so raw material arrives when your planning team expects it.
Retailers importing finished goods
Multiple suppliers, multiple origins, multiple shipments. We consolidate the management so you have one view across your import pipeline.
Businesses new to importing
If you're bringing goods into South Africa for the first time, we walk you through customs registration, SARB requirements and the full compliance landscape before you commit.
Importers replacing a non-performing broker
If your current setup is causing delays, penalties or surprise costs, we do a transition review — identify where the gaps are and take over the account properly.
How we manage each import cycle.
Order review
When your purchase order is confirmed, we review it for customs classification, permit requirements and SARB compliance before the supplier starts production.
Landed cost projection
Complete cost estimate provided — freight, duties, VAT, handling — so you know your true import cost before committing to pricing or stock levels.
Supplier instruction
Shipping instructions issued to your supplier with the correct consignee details, incoterms, packing marks and documentation requirements.
Document verification
Origin documents reviewed against the purchase order and customs requirements before the cargo is loaded. Corrections requested from supplier while the goods are still accessible.
In-transit tracking
Vessel or flight tracked from departure. You receive proactive updates at key milestones — not just when something goes wrong.
Clearance & delivery
Customs entry filed, duties settled, goods released and delivered to your warehouse. Full documentation file retained for five years as required by SARS.
We get involved before things can go wrong.
Most import problems are preventable. Wrong documents, missed permits, incorrect values — these are caught at the order stage if someone is looking. We look. Every time, on every shipment.
Talk to our imports teamOrder stage involvement
We review the purchase order before the supplier starts packing. Errors fixed at origin cost nothing. Errors fixed at Durban port cost time, money and margin.
SARB compliance built in
Exchange control requirements managed as part of the import — not an afterthought when the bank asks for documentation.
One number for everything
Supplier question, shipment update, customs query, SARB document — you call one person who knows your account and gives you a straight answer.
Imports sits at the top of the chain.
Customs Clearance
HS classification, Bills of Entry and SARS compliance — handled in-house by the same team managing your import.
Ocean Freight
The freight leg coordinated alongside your import management. No handoffs, no gaps in accountability.
Full-Service Logistics
Imports, freight and customs bundled under one contract, one account manager, one monthly bill.
Tell us what you're importing and from where.
Share your commodity, origin country, approximate values and import frequency. We'll map out the full compliance picture and give you a transparent landed cost estimate.