JLog is a SARS-licensed customs clearing agent in Woodstock, Cape Town. We clear import and export parcels for private and business customers: we check the tariff code, work out the duty and VAT, lodge the declaration with SARS and arrange release. Send us your invoice and what you are clearing, and we reply within 4 business hours with your quote or the one or two things we still need.
Get a clearance quote or WhatsApp +27 72 312 3034 · info@jlog.co.za
At a glance
| Who we are | SARS-licensed customs clearing agent, Woodstock, Cape Town |
| Track record | 1,000+ consignments · 4.8★ on Google · founded 2019 |
| What we clear | Import and export clearance for parcels, courier, air and sea freight, and containers — commercial and personal, including art, furniture and ceramics |
| How duty is worked out | On the customs (FOB) value at the rate for your HS code |
| Import VAT | 15% of the customs value plus 10% plus the duty |
| Reply time | Within 4 business hours (a reply, not always a finished quote) |
| Also available | Collection, storage in our Woodstock warehouse, delivery |
Clear it and store it with us
Once SARS releases your goods, they can go straight into our Woodstock warehouse, about 10 minutes from the port. Pallets from R250 a month, month-to-month, no setup fees. Only our staff handle your stock.
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How it works
- Send us the documents. The commercial invoice, the packing list and the waybill, plus a short description of the goods and where they will land.
- We check and quote. We confirm the HS code, work out the expected duty and VAT, and tell you if anything is missing or if a permit is needed.
- We lodge and release. We prepare and submit the SAD 500 declaration to SARS electronically and arrange payment and release. If SARS asks a question or wants to inspect the parcel, we deal with it.
What you can send us
- Imports: parcels from suppliers and online stores, parcels held at customs, stock arriving by courier, personal shipments.
- Exports: parcels and shipments leaving South Africa, including art and furniture. See our fine art customs clearance page.
- Parcels already held: if SARS or the courier is holding your parcel, send the waybill and the invoice. See what to do when SARS detains goods.
How duty and VAT are worked out
Duty is charged on the customs value of the goods at the rate for their HS code. Import VAT is 15% of the customs value plus 10%, plus the duty. Use our import VAT calculator for a first estimate, or our HS code lookup to find the code. Duty and VAT are paid to SARS. They are separate from our fee.
Permits
If your goods need a permit, we tell you which one and what is required. For CITES and SAHRA, the owner or exporter applies, and we clear the goods once the permit is in place.
Parcels held at customs: common causes
- Invoice value understated, or not matching the payment documents
- Missing or wrong HS code
- Missing import permit for restricted goods (food, health items, chemicals)
- First-time importer selected for a routine check
- Description on the declaration does not match the packing list
Acting quickly matters, because storage charges at the port or airport build up daily. Our customs clearance guide explains each step, and our list of documents needed to import shows what to have ready.
Do I need a clearing agent for a parcel?
Courier companies usually clear small parcels themselves as part of delivery. An agent helps when a parcel is held, when the value is high, when you import regularly, or when you want the duty checked before you buy. That is the work we do.
How to choose a clearing agent
- Check the SARS licence. Ask the agent to confirm it. Unlicensed operators cannot submit declarations.
- Experience with your goods. Art, food, textiles, electronics and medical goods each have specific rules.
- Clear fees up front. Document and query charges are quoted up front.
- Quick answers. Storage builds up daily while a parcel is held.
- One chain. An agent who also handles collection and delivery can run clearance, release and delivery together.
- Red flag: anyone who suggests under-declaring the value. That invites a SARS audit and penalties, for you.
Questions we are asked
How long does customs clearance take?
It depends on SARS and on whether your documents are complete. A correct declaration is released faster. If SARS stops a parcel for inspection or asks for documents, it takes longer. We deal with SARS and keep you updated.
How is import duty calculated in South Africa?
On the customs value of the goods, at the rate for their HS code. Import VAT is 15% of the customs value plus 10%, plus the duty.
What documents do I need?
The commercial invoice, the packing list and the waybill. Businesses clearing goods commercially also need to be registered with SARS customs. Send us what you have and we tell you what is missing.
How quickly will you reply?
Within 4 business hours. Quotes that depend on a carrier’s rates take longer.
What does your fee depend on?
The type of shipment, the number of tariff lines, whether a permit is involved, and whether SARS queries the declaration. We quote each job.
Get a customs clearance quote. Tell us what you are clearing and where it is, and we reply within 4 business hours.
Get a customs clearance quote
Customs clearance, Cape Town. Tell us what you're clearing and we'll come back with a fixed-fee quote.