SOUTH AFRICA: Updated Prohibited and Restricted Goods List Released

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has published an updated list of prohibited and restricted goods. Prohibited items are not allowed to be imported into or exported from South Africa under any circumstances; whereas restricted items are only allowed to be imported or exported under certain circumstances or conditions, such as with a permit, certificate or letter of authority from the relevant government department, institution or body. 

SARS is responsible for the list under terms of section 113(8)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, working on behalf of a number of government departments, institutions or bodies. These bodies include the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications; and the South African Reserve Bank. 

The new consolidated list, issued on 21 January 2021, is presented according to the tariff structure known as the Harmonised Commodity Coding and Description System or the HS Tariff, or Tariff Book. It itemises more than 11,000 product categories, of which more than 3,000 are prohibited or come with some form of restriction or required approval. Each product entry then includes information on whether the product is prohibited or restricted, and in what way; the name of government entity responsible for regulation; and what documents or permits are required and the issuing authorities. 

Many items in product groups, such as food products, armaments and weaponry, chemicals, automotive parts, garments, footwear, leather, works of art and fabrics, all attract restrictions or the requirement for official approvals or licences.