Export License Requirements

Independent Agency Notice: Famouz Consultants is a private commercial firm providing corporate administration and business advisory services. We are not a government agency, nor are we affiliated with CIPC, SARS, or any state department. Official government services can be accessed directly at cipc.co.za and sars.gov.za.

[GLOBAL TRADE COMPLIANCE] | [SARS EXPORTER CODE] | [TRADE AGREEMENT ACCREDITATION]

What Is Required to Register as an Exporter with SARS?

Under the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, any South African business or foreign entity exporting commercial goods across South African borders must be registered with SARS Customs & Excise.

Upon successful application, SARS issues a dedicated Customs Client Exporter Code. This code allows freight forwarders and clearing agents to process export declarations (Bills of Entry SAD 500) through South African land, sea, and air border posts without customs holds.

Famouz Consultants handles the complete export compliance workflow—auditing your FICA credentials, compiling Form DA 185 and Annexure DA 185.4A2, and lodging your registration via the electronic SARS Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation (RLA) platform.

Core SARS Exporter Document Checklist

To obtain an active SARS Exporter Code, your entity must submit the following mandatory documentation:

CIPC Registration Certificates: Certified copies of official CIPC incorporation documents (CoR14.3 / CoR14.1 / CoR39).

Certified ID / Passport Copies: Clear, certified copies of Smart ID cards (front and back) or valid passports for all registered company directors.

Stamped Business Bank Confirmation Letter: Original or bank-certified confirmation letter on official letterhead verifying the company's local bank account details.

FICA Proof of Business Operating Address: Municipal utility statement, lease agreement, or official property statement (under 3 months old) confirming the physical operational address in South Africa.

Proof of Contact Number: Landline, cellphone, or utility account (under 3 months old) matching company details.

Active SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN: Verified Tax PIN confirming good tax standing across Income Tax and VAT profiles.

SARS Registered Representative Status: The designated resident director must be fully verified as the active primary representative on SARS eFiling.

Trade Agreement Registrations (Preferential Tariffs)

If your business exports South African-manufactured products into regional trade blocks, Famouz Consultants assists with registering under specific international trade preference agreements. This allows your foreign buyers to clear goods at reduced or zero import duty rates:

[Standard Exporter Code] ───> Clears Commercial Cargo Globally
[Trade Agreement Add-on] ───> Unlocks Zero/Reduced Duties in Partner Countries

AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area): Annexure filings for duty-free intra-Africa exports under approved tariff concessions.

SADC Trade Protocol: Preferential tariff registration for exports across Southern African Development Community member nations.

SACU-UK EPA & SACUM-EFTA: Accreditation for trade with the United Kingdom and European Free Trade Association markets.

AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act): Specialized registration (DA 46A1.02 / Section A) for qualifying duty-free exports into the United States.

Exporter Rules for Foreign Entities

Foreign individuals or non-resident corporate bodies exporting cargo from South Africa must nominate a local Registered Agent located within South Africa using Form DA 185 D. The appointed local agent assumes statutory liability and acts as the official liaison with SARS Customs.