Import and Export Guide
Import and Export Control measures are applied to enforce health, environmental, security and safety, and technical standards that arise from domestic laws and International Agreements such as the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, and the 1988 UN Convention Against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The import and export control measures or restrictions are limited to those allowed under the relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements.
Out of approximately 6 650 tariff lines in the South African version of the International Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, there are 276 tariff lines under import control and 177 tariff lines that are under export control. However, for the importation of all used or second-hand goods, an import permit is required.
A list of goods that are subject to export control are available here.
The role of the Import and Export Control Unit
As mentioned above, the key role of Import and Export Control is essentially to enforce health, environmental, security and safety, and technical standards that arise from domestic laws and International Agreements.
Enforcement and inspections are conducted to ensure effective compliance with the conditions contained in permits, compliance with provision of the Regulations and for detection of contraventions of the Act.