IOR-Importer Of Record South Africa

admin September 24, 2026 Uncategorized 0

Cargo Shippers is a licensed and accredited Importer of Record (IOR) in South Africa. We import on behalf of international companies that have no South African presence and no local entity. We take responsibility for customs clearance and compliance, pay VAT and duties, and recover the refundable VAT so you do not have to register a company just to land goods.

Who we help? We help overseas manufacturers, brand owners, exporters selling on DDP terms, and any foreign company shipping into South Africa without a local registration. Typical cargo includes machinery, spare parts, mining equipment’s, electronics, textiles, chemicals, medical products, and consumer goods. If the goods are commercial and your company is not on the South African register, you need a local IOR.

What we do? Cargo Shippers stands as the named importer and carries the clearance of goods:

Customs declaration with SARS
Tariff classification and document checks
Payment of customs duty and import VAT
Permits and approvals with ITAC, SAHPRA, and other government agencies
Fast, compliant customs release &
VAT recovery and repayment into your bank account

A quite number of goods are regulated products and requires the right agency file such as:

SARS Customs — declaration, valuation, duty, VAT, and release
ITAC — import control on used goods, scrap, and listed tariff lines. Permits must exist before the goods ship
SAHPRA — medicines, medical devices, and related health products
Other bodies where needed, including product safety, telecoms, agriculture, and standards

Missing a permit is one of the fastest ways to create storage, inspection, and goods release delay.

VAT versus duty -This is where first-time importers lose money.

Duty depends on the tariff heading. It is generally a real cost and is not refundable by Customs in the ordinary course of import.
Import VAT is 15% and is calculated on the Added Tax Value, not simply on the invoice price. Handled correctly, VAT is recoverable.

Cargo Shippers pays both charges so SARS can release the goods. We then claim the recoverable VAT and send it back to your account. You avoid the long process of forming a local company, opening a tax profile, and registering as an importer yourself.

Contact Cargo Shippers today: Email: cargo@cargoshippers.co.za
WhatsApp: +27 69 193 0064
Tel: +27 11 203 4725
Office: 55 Richards Drive, Midrand, South Africa