If you’ve been searching things like “what is an import and export licence” or “do I need an import license in South Africa”, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: different websites use licence, permit, code, and certificate like they’re all the same thing.
In South Africa, they’re not.
And the biggest trap is this: most people say “import/export licence” when what they actually need is SARS Customs registration (as an importer/exporter). Then, only in certain cases, you may also need an ITAC permit because the goods you’re importing/exporting are controlled or restricted.
This post is the “plain English” explainer — so you can quickly figure out:
- what the “licence” really is,
- what a permit is (and when it applies),
- who issues what,
- and whether you even need to register at all.
The 30-second answer
In most normal business situations:
- “Import/Export licence” (what people mean): SARS Customs importer/exporter registration via the RLA eFiling platform.
- “Import/Export permit” (when goods are controlled): ITAC Import & Export Control permits.
- “Export certificate”: often a separate document requirement depending on the destination country (for example, a Certificate of Origin is commonly handled via chambers/authorities depending on the certificate type.
What is an import/export “licence” in South Africa?
In South Africa, there isn’t always a single “licence card” you receive that magically authorises you to import and export anything.
What most people mean by “import/export licence” is being registered with SARS Customs as an importer/exporter/trader, because SARS runs the customs registration system for traders and requires prospective importers/traders to submit their details through RLA on eFiling.
So when someone asks:
- “what is import export licence?”
- “what is import license?”
- “what’s an export license?”
…they’re usually asking: “What do I need to be recognised as an importer/exporter for customs clearance?”
Who issues the import/export licence?
For the “licence” people usually mean: SARS Customs (through the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation system).
What is an import permit or export permit?
A permit is different from SARS registration. A permit is usually permission to import or export controlled goods.
In South Africa, ITAC’s Import & Export Control function deals with permits for certain categories of goods, and they publish procedures and FAQs for export permits (including how to apply and turnaround times).
Who issues import/export permits?
Commonly: ITAC (Import & Export Control).
Where do I apply for an import permit / export permit?
ITAC explains where the export permit application forms are found and how they’re submitted, and they describe their export permit processing procedures and average timeframes.
Licence vs permit: how do you know which one you need?
A simple way to think about it:
- If you’re importing/exporting as a trader/business (even a small one), you normally need the right SARS customs registration in place.
- If your goods are restricted/controlled, you may also need an ITAC permit (and sometimes other supporting permissions depending on the product category).
This is why people get confused: they call both steps a “licence,” but they’re not the same thing.
Do I need an import licence in South Africa?
This is a big one — because plenty of people are just buying items online for personal use and don’t want to accidentally “become a business” in SARS’s eyes.
SARS has been very clear that private individuals can import personal goods under Customs Code 70707070 up to a total value of R150,000 per year. If you exceed that cumulative value in a calendar year, additional declarations under that code get rejected and you need to apply electronically for a formal customs code.
So, in plain terms:
- If you’re importing personal goods and you stay within SARS’s conditions, you may not need to register as an importer right away.
- If you’re importing for business/resale, or importing regularly at commercial volumes, you should assume you’ll need the correct SARS customs registration setup.
Who needs an import licence (and who doesn’t)?
Most of the time, the split looks like this:
You usually need SARS importer registration if:
- you’re importing for a business (resale, manufacturing inputs, commercial shipments),
- you’ll be importing regularly,
- or you want fewer delays and fewer “stuck at customs” surprises because your paperwork is aligned from day one.
You may not need to register immediately if:
- you’re importing personal goods for personal/home use and you meet SARS’s conditions (including the annual value limit under the 70707070 process).
How many times can I import to South Africa?
People often ask this like there’s a fixed number (like “3 times per year” or “10 parcels per month”).
In reality, the more practical answer is: it’s not about “how many times,” it’s about what route you’re using and the total value.
For private individuals using the personal-goods route, SARS’s key limit is the R150,000 cumulative value per calendar year under code 70707070, after which you must apply for a formal customs code to continue.
If you’re importing as a business/trader, the question becomes less about “how many times” and more about “are you registered correctly and clearing properly?”
What is the purpose of an import/export permit?
If you’re wondering why permits exist in the first place, you’re not alone.
Permits are generally there to control and regulate certain categories of goods. Export control, for example, is often tied to preventing illegal movement of controlled items, ensuring compliance with trade rules, and managing strategic goods categories (ITAC publishes export control guidance and sector-specific export guidelines).
How long does it take to get an export licence?
This depends on what you mean by “export licence”:
- If you mean an ITAC export permit, ITAC states export permits may take up to 15 working days to issue.
- If you mean SARS customs registration, SARS’s RLA system is the official route to register as an importer/trader (we cover the full step-by-step process and realistic timelines in the next post).
How long is an export licence valid?
Again, it depends what you mean:
- SARS “registration” validity can be indefinite in certain registration contexts (SARS explains “registration period is indefinite” in its customs registration/licensing guidance).
- Export permits can be time-limited. For example, ITAC’s “Guidelines for Import & Export Control” states export permits are valid for customs clearance/exportation for a period not exceeding 60 days from date of issue (in that guideline).
Practical tip: even when you think you’re dealing with a “licence,” always confirm whether you’re talking about a registration (ongoing) or a permit (often time-bound).
The safest way to handle this (especially if you’re unsure)
If you’re stuck between:
- “Do I need only SARS registration?”
- “Do I also need an ITAC permit?”
- “Am I okay importing as a private person?”
…you don’t want to guess, because the cost of being wrong is usually time (delays, rejected declarations, goods held, back-and-forth).
A proper compliance check upfront is usually the fastest way to make sure you’re on the right route for your goods and situation.
