Core Declarations SARS Customs & Excise form

Customs Declaration (Bill of Entry) SAD500

The master customs declaration for almost every commercial import or export — it tells SARS the goods, value, origin and tariff (HS) code.

Last updated: 25 September 2026

What is a SAD500?

The SAD500 is South Africa’s customs declaration, often called the bill of entry. Every commercial import and export is declared to SARS on it: what the goods are, their tariff (HS) code, customs value, country of origin, and the duty and VAT due. It follows the international Single Administrative Document (SAD) format.

Nobody fills in a paper SAD500 any more. It is lodged electronically with SARS, usually by a licensed clearing agent. SARS then releases the goods, or stops them for an inspection or a query about the documents. A mistake on a SAD500 that has already been submitted is corrected with a voucher of correction (SAD504).

What your clearing agent needs from you

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Your SARS customs client number (importer’s or exporter’s code)
• Any permit the goods need, for example an ITAC import permit or an NRCS letter of authority

JLog is a licensed clearing agent in Cape Town and lodges SAD500 declarations every working day. Send us your invoice and packing list and we reply within 4 business hours: customs clearing agent Cape Town.

Key facts

When you need itAny commercial shipment in or out of SA. It's the backbone document everything else attaches to.

Where to submitSubmitted electronically to SARS, almost always by a registered clearing agent.

Does customs stamp it?NO PHYSICAL STAMPReleased electronically — SARS issues a release notification rather than a physical stamp; a 'stop' means inspection.

Commonly confused withThis — not the DA65 — is the actual import/export declaration. Permits and certificates attach to it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SAD500?

The master customs declaration for almost every commercial import or export — it tells SARS the goods, value, origin and tariff (HS) code.

When and where do I lodge the SAD500?

Any commercial shipment in or out of SA. It's the backbone document everything else attaches to. Submitted electronically to SARS, almost always by a registered clearing agent.

Does customs stamp the SAD500?

Released electronically — SARS issues a release notification rather than a physical stamp; a 'stop' means inspection.

Related forms

DA22Bill of Entry — Sight A provisional declaration used when you don't yet have full details of the goods. SAD504Voucher of Correction (VOC) The form to correct a mistake on a declaration already submitted — wrong value, tariff, quantity or currency. S38Release / Export under Section 38 (DA306 / DA306A) Applications to release imported goods, or export goods, under the specific Section 38 provisions of the Customs & Excis…

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This page is a plain-English guide, not legal or customs advice. Form names and procedures are verified against the official SARS "Find a Form" index at the time of publication, but requirements change — always confirm on sars.gov.za or with a registered customs broker before lodging.