David Wang
-Updated on June 26, 2026
Do I have to pay customs duty and VAT on parcels into South Africa?
In most cases yes. South Africa has effectively no duty-free threshold for commercial imports, so duty and 15% VAT are charged on the landed value of an imported consignment, with the rate depending on the goods. The recipient is normally responsible for these charges, which are collected before the item is released for delivery. Keep the customs paperwork until the parcel arrives.
Related Articles
Why is my South African Post Office parcel held at customs?
A "held at customs" status means the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is assessing your item, not that it is lost. South Africa applies customs du
Read MoreHow are customs and VAT handled on Geniki Taxydromiki international parcels?
Parcels moving within the European Union, including to and from Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus, clear without import customs under the single market. F
Read MoreDoes Croatia Post charge customs duties on incoming parcels?
International parcels containing goods above the duty-free threshold may be held for customs inspection, and the recipient may need to pay import duti
Read MoreDo I have to pay customs duties on Kenya Post international parcels?
International parcels and EMS items may be subject to customs duties or taxes in the destination country. The recipient is usually responsible for pay
Read MoreWill I pay customs duty on a parcel into Azerbaijan?
Postal imports are duty-free up to a value of USD 300 per parcel for one parcel per month. Items above that threshold are subject to a 36% customs dut
Read MoreWill I have to pay customs duty on a POST Luxembourg parcel?
Parcels sent between EU member states need no customs declaration and carry no duty. Items arriving from outside the EU may attract customs duty and V
Read More