Andrew Porter Limited are experts in removals to South Africa and, with our team supporting you, you can be sure your international move will be as stress-free as possible.
Moving to South Africa is likely to be a life-changing event and it is important to ensure your valuable belongings are in the hands of professionals throughout your move.
To make your life easier, we will assign you with a dedicated move co-ordinator to be your point of contact throughout your South Africa removals project. They will let you know your shipment vessel and arrival date and will answer any queries you may have.
Your move co-ordinator will also keep you informed regarding customs protocols and issues to be aware of. An important rule to note is that you must be in South Africa before customs clearance for your belongings can be granted. If you are moving to the country for the first time, you will not need to pay duty on your shipment but there are strict restrictions which apply to returning residents.
Your shipping to South Africa is likely to take between seven and 10 weeks for a dedicated container or 11 to 14 weeks for a groupage consignment. Groupage is where the space in your shipping container is shared with other people's belongings and provides a cheaper option.
If you require any items delivering quickly, we can arrange for an air freight service.
Andrew Porter Limited also operates a state-of-the-art purpose-built storage warehouse where you can store any belongings you are not taking with you, until you require them again.
Transporting vehicles to South Africa
Andrew Porter Limited is an expert in car transportation and we can assist you with all your needs when shipping cars to South Africa.
Significant Import Duty and VAT is payable on motor vehicles being imported into South Africa, with Customs Duty up to 36% for cars less than 20 years old, as well as a valuation duty of up to 20% and VAT at 14%. You must also obtain an Import Permit for the vehicle prior to the car leaving the UK.
In some cases, duty rebates for up to one vehicle per family may be available to immigrants and South African residents who are returning permanently after having permanent residence status in the UK. This is provided the vehicle was the property of the importer and had been owned for at least 12 months before the move to South Africa.
Andrew Porter Limited provides containerised vehicle shipment to South Africa. Your motor vehicle can either be secured in a dedicated container or packed along with your household items in a larger shipping container.
Moving pets to South Africa
The good news is that in most cases your beloved pets will be able to move with you to South Africa.
Pets must be microchipped and you must also obtain an import permit from the Director of Animal Health in South Africa. An Official Export Health certificate from DEFRA/AHVLA is also required, to be certified by a local veterinary inspector within 10 days of departure.
Dogs must be blood tested for various diseases within 30 days of departure, by a local veterinary inspector. Dogs and cats must be rabies vaccinated at least 30 days prior to departure. If they are not vaccinated, this will be carried out on arrival.
Dogs which have not been permanent residents in the UK must have been continuously resident in the UK and South Africa only for at least the previous six months.
If you have specific questions relating to removals to South Africa or would like a quote, please contact our International Removals South Africa team today on 0800 389 1222.
This information is intended as a guide only and full checks on immigration requirements and import restriction should be carried out before your move.
