Importing furniture? Get a transparent-duties quote.
Bringing goods in from Britain? Our guide to shipping from the UK to South Africa covers times, costs and the UK’s preferential duty rates.
SARS clearance under one job number, white-glove delivery — we’ll be in touch shortly.
Quick answer: Yes — JLog handles the whole import chain: comparing FedEx and DHL rates side by side, SARS customs clearance, and last-mile delivery, from 220+ origin countries into South Africa. You deal with one company and one quote instead of a forwarder, a broker and a courier separately. Below: how the end-to-end service works and what it needs from you.
JLog is a Cape Town-based import and export logistics company operating FedEx and DHL direct accounts for international courier, combined with full customs clearance support. We handle door-to-door export from South Africa to 220+ countries, and import to South Africa from anywhere in the world. Services include export documentation, commercial invoice preparation, HS code classification, SARS duty calculation, and customs declaration filing. Based in Woodstock, Cape Town, JLog serves galleries, e-commerce brands, furniture manufacturers, and businesses importing goods from Europe, the USA, China, and the Middle East. No minimum shipment size. Get a quote online or call 021 300 6099.
JLog handles a wide range of goods moving into and out of South Africa. On the export side, we regularly ship fine art from Cape Town galleries to collectors in London, New York, and Dubai — JLog is the official logistics partner of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. We also export designer furniture from manufacturers in the Western Cape, e-commerce stock fulfilling international orders, industrial equipment, vehicle parts, wine, and personal effects for South Africans relocating abroad. On the import side, we bring in commercial stock for retailers, raw materials for manufacturers, personal purchases from overseas suppliers, and high-value goods requiring careful customs handling.
JLog operates direct carrier accounts that provide preferential rates and priority handling: direct FedEx (JLog and Embark entities) and DHL commercial accounts. These direct relationships mean faster resolution when issues arise, access to volume-discounted rates, and a single point of contact for the entire shipment lifecycle — from collection at origin to delivery at destination. Whether you are shipping a single 2kg parcel of documents or a 500kg pallet of exhibition furniture, JLog has the account infrastructure and customs expertise to move it.
When importing goods into South Africa, SARS calculates customs duty on the FOB (Free On Board) customs value — the cost of the goods at the point of export, excluding international freight and insurance. The duty rate depends on the HS code classification of the goods and can range from 0% (many raw materials and capital equipment) to 45% (certain clothing and textiles). Import VAT is then calculated on the Added Tax Value (ATV). ATV = FOB customs value + 10% upliftment (a notional amount SARS adds to approximate certain costs; applied to goods of non-SACU origin, nil for SACU-origin goods) + any non-rebated customs duty; VAT is 15% of ATV. For example, a piece of furniture with an FOB customs value of R10,000, R2,000 in international freight, and R200 in insurance. Customs duty @ 20% (illustrative — your rate depends on the product’s HS code; check the tariff or ask us for your exact rate) on the FOB value = R10,000 × 0.20 = R2,000. ATV = R10,000 + R1,000 (10% upliftment) + R2,000 (duty) = R13,000. Import VAT @ 15% of ATV = R13,000 × 0.15 = R1,950. Duty + VAT = R3,950. Total landed cost (goods + freight + insurance + duty + VAT) = R10,000 + R2,000 + R200 + R2,000 + R1,950 = R16,150.
Getting the HS code right is critical — an incorrect classification can mean overpaying duty by thousands of rands, or worse, having goods detained at customs while SARS queries the declaration. JLog uses a database of 10,402 HS codes aligned to the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule to advise on the correct classification before you commit to a shipment. This means no surprises at the border. Use our free HS Code lookup tool to search for your product’s tariff classification, or let JLog’s team handle the classification as part of the quoting process.
JLog holds direct accounts with both FedEx and DHL, so we quote both carriers for every shipment and recommend the best option based on destination, transit time, cost, and the nature of the goods. Here is a general comparison:
| Factor | FedEx | DHL |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | USA, Canada, Mexico | Europe, Middle East, Asia |
| Transit time (Cape Town to London) | 3–5 business days | 2–4 business days |
| Transit time (Cape Town to New York) | 4–7 business days | 4–6 business days |
| Fragile/high-value goods | Extra handling available | Extra handling available |
| Tracking | Real-time via JLog platform | Real-time via JLog platform |
| Insurance | Available up to R5m per shipment | Available up to R5m per shipment |
Both carriers offer daily collections from Cape Town and other major South African cities. JLog handles the booking, documentation, and customs on both — you get a single invoice and a single point of contact regardless of which carrier moves the goods.
JLog prepares all documentation as part of the service. You focus on your business. If you are unsure what documents you need, contact us with the details of your shipment and we will advise within 4 hours.
International courier rates are quoted live — prices vary by weight, dimensions, destination, and service level (express, economy, or freight). JLog quotes FedEx and DHL side by side so you can compare cost and transit time before committing. For registered JLog clients, the Smart Quote tool at app.jlog.co.za provides instant automated quotes with real-time carrier rate comparison.
Customs brokerage fees are charged per declaration and vary based on the complexity of the shipment — number of line items, permit requirements, and whether duty rebates or trade agreement preferences apply. JLog provides a full cost breakdown upfront so there are no hidden charges. Courier is billed at cost plus a 10% handling fee, rate-shopped across carriers for the best option.
How do I get a quote for international shipping from Cape Town?
Use the Get a Quote form on jlog.co.za or call 021 300 6099. Provide the origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and a description of the goods. JLog responds within 4 hours with FedEx and DHL rates compared side by side. For a live automated quote with carrier comparison, registered JLog clients can access the Smart Quote tool at app.jlog.co.za.
Does JLog handle customs clearance for imports to South Africa?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance support including HS code classification, SARS declaration filing, duty calculation, and payment facilitation. We use a database of 10,402 SARS tariff codes to ensure accurate classification and avoid delays or overpayment at the border.
Can JLog ship artwork internationally from South Africa?
Yes — this is one of JLog’s specialties. We are the official logistics partner of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and handle fine art export via FedEx and DHL with museum-grade crating and ATA Carnet support. Our team has shipped paintings, sculptures, and installations to galleries and collectors on every continent.
Which countries does JLog ship to?
JLog ships to 220+ countries via FedEx and DHL. Primary routes include Cape Town to UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, UAE, and across Africa. If FedEx or DHL services the destination, JLog can ship there.
What is the cheapest way to ship from Cape Town internationally?
For shipments under 70kg, FedEx and DHL express courier is typically fastest and most cost-effective — the per-kilogram rate is competitive, and there are no port charges, container fees, or lengthy customs processes. For heavier shipments over 100kg, air freight or sea freight may be more economical. JLog quotes all options so you can compare.
How long does international shipping from Cape Town take?
Cape Town to UK/Europe: 2–5 business days (DHL or FedEx). Cape Town to USA: 4–7 business days. Cape Town to Australia: 5–7 business days. Cape Town to Dubai: 2–3 business days. These are typical transit times for express courier — economy services take 1–3 days longer.
Does JLog offer cargo insurance for international shipments?
Yes. JLog offers Alpec ICC (A) All Risks insurance at 2.1% of declared value (minimum premium applies). This covers loss or damage from origin to destination, including during customs clearance and last-mile delivery. We recommend insurance for all shipments valued above R10,000.
What is an HS code and do I need one to export?
An HS code (Harmonised System code) is a 6–10 digit number that classifies every type of goods for customs purposes. SARS requires an HS code on all export and import declarations — without one, your shipment cannot clear customs. JLog advises on the correct HS code as part of the service, at no additional charge. Use our free HS Code lookup tool to search the full South African tariff schedule.
Tell us what you are shipping, where it is going, and we will respond with a full quote — carrier options, customs costs, and transit time — within 4 hours.
Or contact us directly:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 300 6099
Address: Unit 12C, Unit 12C, Nearby Industrial Park, 10 Railway Street, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
Last updated: March 2026 | By Gerrit Dyman, Managing Director, JLog
JLog maintains a complete directory of all 10,402 HS codes in the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. Find the correct tariff code for your goods before you import or export.
Importing as a foreign brand? See our guides to selling into South Africa and being the importer of record in South Africa.
Estimating import costs? Try our import duty and VAT calculator for South African landed cost.
Individuals buying from South African stores can use our Global Shopper parcel forwarding.