Wine Export Customs Clearance from South Africa
JLog is a Licensed Clearing Agent — we handle wine export declarations, EUR.1 certificates, DALRRD coordination, and full SARS SAD500 filing. Quote in one working day.
Export Duty, VAT, and Excise on Wine
South Africa levies no export duty on wine. Exports of wine and spirits are zero-rated for VAT, meaning producers and exporters can claim back input VAT paid during production. The excise duty under the Customs and Excise Act applies to production volumes, not to the export transaction itself.
Wine falls under HS 2204 (wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wine) and related sub-headings. The export declaration values goods at the FOB price — the price at which goods cross the ship’s rail at the South African port of loading.
EUR.1 Certificates for EU and SADC Market Exports
For wine exported to European Union member states, the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) provides significant tariff preferences for qualifying South African wines. To claim these preferences, the exporter must present a EUR.1 movement certificate, which SARS endorses at export.
To qualify, the wine must meet the rules of origin — primarily that it is produced from South African-grown grapes. JLog prepares EUR.1 applications and coordinates the SARS endorsement as part of the export clearance package.
DALRRD Phytosanitary Certificates
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) issues phytosanitary certificates for wine exports, confirming the product meets the importing country’s plant health requirements. Most wine-importing markets (EU, UK, USA, Asia) require this certificate before customs clearance will be granted at the destination.
The DALRRD inspection and certificate process adds 1–3 business days to the export timeline. JLog coordinates DALRRD booking as part of the export clearance process so this does not delay loading.
Ready to export wine from South Africa? JLog is a Licensed Clearing Agent in Cape Town — we handle EUR.1 certificates, DALRRD coordination, SAD500 filing, and full export documentation for any destination market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there export duty on wine from South Africa?
- No. Wine exports attract 0% export duty and are VAT zero-rated. Domestic excise applies to production volumes, not to the export.
- What documents are needed to export wine from SA?
- Commercial invoice (FOB value), packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, DALRRD phytosanitary certificate, SAD500 export declaration, EUR.1 (for EU destinations), and destination import permit if required.
- What is a EUR.1 certificate?
- A EUR.1 is a movement certificate that proves South African origin for goods exported under the SADC-EU EPA. It allows EU importers to claim preferential (reduced or zero) duty rates on qualifying SA wines.
- Does wine need a phytosanitary certificate to leave South Africa?
- Yes. DALRRD issues a phytosanitary certificate confirming compliance with importing country plant health requirements. Most markets (EU, UK, USA) require this before allowing customs clearance.
Related Resources
- JLog Customs Clearance Services
- Complete SA Customs Clearance Guide
- Exporting from South Africa
- HS Code Search Tool
- Importing from the UK to South Africa
- Importing from the Netherlands to South Africa
JLog Freight & Customs — Unit 12C, Nearby Industrial Park, 10 Railway Street, Woodstock, Cape Town 7925 · 021 300 6099 · info@jlog.co.za