The smart way to register as an Importer or Exporter 

by Vusi Ngcobo

For many South African businesses, expanding into international trade is a logical next step. Yet the process of becoming a registered Importer or exporter is often where enthusiasm collides with bureaucracy. Many people start without understanding when registration is required or what the process really involves, and that’s where the trouble begins. 

The basic rule is simple: if you intend to import or export goods to the value of R150,000 or more within a 12-month period, you must be registered with SARS. But in practice, it’s not as straightforward as ticking a few boxes online. 

When eFiling doesn’t work 

While registration can be done through SARS eFiling, many applicants quickly hit a wall because their eFiling profile isn’t set up correctly. If your tax profile doesn’t have the right tax types allocated, for example, customs and excise, the system simply won’t allow you to proceed. You’ll also need to have a registered Public Officer linked to the entity before continuing. 

In other words, the online form is the easy part. The preparation behind it is what determines whether your registration goes through smoothly or gets stuck in administrative limbo. 

Registration vs Licensing 

A common misunderstanding is that registration automatically covers licensing. It doesn’t.
Certain activities, such as operating a customs warehouse or clearing goods, require specific licences that must be renewed annually. These renewals always expire at the end of the calendar year, not 12 months from the issue date. 

Failing to renew can be costly: if you clear goods without an active licence, you could face a R5,000 fine per transaction. For businesses dealing with multiple shipments, that mistake adds up quickly. 

Why professional guidance matters 

The registration and licensing process involves multiple steps: 

• Setting up the correct eFiling tax profile and Public Officer. 
• Registering for customs and excise. 
• Completing the R&A (Registration and Accreditation) process correctly. 

Each step has its own documentation, sequence and approval timeline that must be carefully sequenced and managed. Missing or misunderstanding one detail can result in weeks of delay or financial penalties later. 

If you’re new to imports or exports, the process can feel deceptively simple until something goes wrong. That’s why the smartest way to register as an Importer or Exporter is to partner with an experienced customs professional who can ensure every requirement is met, registrations are completed correctly and costly mistakes are avoided. 

Need expert help with your import or export compliance? 

Mageja Customs Consulting brings decades of industry experience and a proven track record of making life easier for Importers and Exporters. Our expertise has saved clients millions in penalties and losses by ensuring every process meets the highest compliance standards. Reach out to us with any questions that relate to your own circumstances. We will gladly provide expert guidance on your Import and Export journey.