Shipping to and from South Africa
Your complete guide to shipping to and from South Africa. Find the right route, get Maersk office locations, discover local solutions, payment options and more.
Import
Get up-to-date local information about import procedures and restrictions, demurrage and detention, container drop-offs and more.
WK 48 2024 Empty Import turn in’s (This is valid until and includes 06/12/2024)
All customers to ensure turn in instructions to be followed, as non-allocated depots will reject turn in's.
Important request from Grindrod Bluff Road and Gale Street for those who are collecting seals for direct turn in Durban Terminal turn-in.
We have further enhanced the Delivery Oder functionality on Maersk website.
Our latest enhancements include:
- SARS Release Status can now be viewed online while processing the Delivery Order
- No more uploading Cargo Dues receipts. Instead of uploading Cargo Dues proof of payment you can tick the Cargo Dues Indemnity checkbox and thereby acknowledge that all cargo dues have been settled
To avoid any EDI failures with merchant shipments please be sure to update your Transporters/Truckers Details in the “Release Container to” field when requesting the Delivery Order.
A one-page guide to using our Self Service Delivery order and Payer assignment feature can be found by clicking below downloadable PDF file.
Commodity
- Hazardous classes 1 and 7 are subject to approval before acceptance.
- Used Tyres acceptance subject to legitimate ITAC permit
- No acceptance on DG charcoal
- No acceptance of Asbestos
- Textile waste and used clothing and shoes acceptance subject to legitimate ITAC permit
Weight & Measurement- The general road weight limitation is 24 tonnes/20’ and 28 tonnes/40’ including cargo and container tare. Overweight containers are subject to a fine imposed by the Government. Requests for movement of overweight cargo can be obtained from your nearest Maersk office.
45' Containers- No acceptance of 45' containers in South Africa.
Should your container be stopped and detained by Customs (South African Revenue Services, SARS); SAPS (South African Police Force) or the NRCS in South Africa, and you do not have representation for the inspection at the depot, MAERSK can arrange with one of our trusted vendors to be present and represent you at the depot for inspection.
By using this service, the safety and integrity of the cargo is kept intact, where photographs will be taken at each stage from breaking of seal – completion of inspection, creating complete visibly and peace of mind.
If you have any questions about a customs stopped shipment or the Maersk inspection service, please feel free to contact us: (Phone) +27 21 408 6888 or (email) za.stops@maersk.com
Durban port
Class 1 / Class 4.1 (Un NO 1944) - all UN numbers require police permits; packing declarations and rail transport except class 1.4 UN 0012 (road haul only).
Direct Delivery to and from a rail truck is allowed except class 1.4 UN 0012 (road haul only). Not allowed to be stacked at the terminal.
The following documents are required to be sent through to us in order for us to apply for acceptance of the commodity with TNPA by eta -7 days.
- Police permits
- DGD
- Trem Cards
- Stamped CTO
- Transporter details (namely transporter name, contact person, after hours contact number, truck registration, driver’s name and driver’s identification number)
The above required documents must reach us by eta -7 days to prevent additional costs and penalties. If we cannot complete the application with TNPA by the required deadline, these units will not be discharged from the vessel and all costs to retain on board will be for the consignees account.
In addition to the above documents, we will require release to be taken of the shipment 48 hours prior to arrival in order for our port system (NAVIS) to reflect release prior to the vessel berthing. Please note any cargo not released within this 48 hours prior ETA for any commodities that must be discharged in daylight direct to vessel, we will perform carrier haulage to a depot to avoid putting TPT and the vessel at risk. Charges to be recovered from the client. This applies to stopped containers even if the release is received after the 48 hour mark.
New procedure:
Please note, as per Port’s request, we will be updating NAVIS with the Driver details as provided by you - the driver name, cell phone no, vehicle reg and wagon no. The purpose of this is that, just before the container is discharged, TPT will call the driver to ensure that he is in the queue waiting to collect. Please note, if the driver is NOT in the queue, or, if we cannot get hold of the contact person, the container will be retained on board.
This will be our process going forward as well - please ensure that all driver details issued are correct. If they are amended in any way, please ensure you contact Maersk for us to update the system on your behalf.
Point Durban only
All other hazardous classes not listed on the advisory requires the following:
- Stamped CTO
- DGD
Important to Note:
A Cartage Booking Request (for Direct Delivery to and/or Upliftment from the Vessel and/or Delivery into &/or from Vessel Hazardous Stack) must be forwarded to the Terminal’s Cartage Booking Office prior to RMT(s) reporting to the Terminal.
When the driver reports to the terminal he must have a copy of the above-mentioned documents and all RMT(s) must have Harbour Carrier Permits. In addition they must have an Approved Cartage Booking Request.
Always Safe Never Sorry. While we always do our utmost to take good care of your cargo, things can go wrong. Therefore we are glad to introduce you to our new solution to keep the value of your cargo protected from logistics-related risks. Value Protect provides alternative carriage terms that offer higher recovery limits on claims. At competitive prices and all in a single place.
Local charges
The following surcharges are applicable either at the customer’s request or due to penalties incurred on shipments from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Charge Code | Charge Name | Per 20’ | Per 40’ | Per B/L | Description & Application |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charge Code
DDF
|
Charge Name
Destination Doc Fee
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
R1 100
|
Description & Application
This service covers the creation and processing of all standard transport documents (e.g. Bill of Lading).
|
Charge Code
IMP
|
Charge Name
Import Service
|
Per 20’
ZAR 1356
|
Per 40’
ZAR 1860
|
Per B/L
|
Description & Application
The Import Service covers standard charges at destination that is not part of DHC and the charge will be applicable for all shipments.
Below items are included in IMP: Port Dues/Agency Fees/First Seal/Any other local service that is not included in DHC but applicable to all shipments. |
Charge Code
DHC
|
Charge Name
Destination Handling Fee - Dry
|
Per 20’
R2 486
|
Per 40’
R3 671
|
Per B/L
|
Description & Application
This service covers the cost of handling a container at the origin port or terminal. This service is applicable to all shipments.
|
Charge Code
DHC
|
Charge Name
Destination Handling Fee - Reefer
|
Per 20’
R3 481
|
Per 40’
R5 162
|
Per B/L
|
Description & Application
This service covers the cost of handling a container at the origin port or terminal. This service is applicable to all shipments.
|
Charge Code
DHC
|
Charge Name
Destination Handling Fee - Reefer
|
Per 20’
R3 826
|
Per 40’
R5 686
|
Per B/L
|
Description & Application
This service covers the cost of handling a container at the origin port or terminal .This service is applicable to all shipments.
|
Charge Code
CSD
|
Charge Name
Container Shifting Charge
|
Per 20’
ZAR 945
|
Per 40’
ZAR 1310
|
Per B/L
|
Description & Application
This charge is for additional operational expenses due to extra container moves for reasons like re-stacking because of change of destination or vessel or moving of container from load stack to gate. It does not cover moves for inspections, or to enable ad hoc stuffing/stripping. These are already included under the charges for those respective services |
Charge Code
PAD
|
Charge Name
Payer Amendment Destination
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
USD 43
|
Description & Application
Charge applicable for change of collect payer after the ETA of the final vessel.
|
Charge Code
TLI
|
Charge Name
Electronic Cargo Release Import (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland)
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
USD 35
|
Description & Application
Also known as 'Telex' or 'Express' release, this releases the cargo at destination upon proof of identity of the receiver as consignee. This is done once all 3 original BLs have been surrendered by the consignee, or an authorised agent of the consignee, at another carrier's office location (not the discharge port). This service (TLI) is applied upon the customer's request and gets added to the shipment only after the BLs have been surrendered. |
Charge Code
SWC
|
Charge Name
Switch Bill of Lading Document Fee
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
USD 100
|
Description & Application
If a customer requests for this service, the carrier can 'switch' transport documents such as BLs to show new parties by issuing a second set of documents. A 'switch' protects the interests of the cargo intermediary by preventing the shipper from being visible to the buyer
|
Charge Code
BLI
|
Charge Name
Transport Document Re-Issue Fee Import
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
USD 19
|
Description & Application
If you need a new set of bill of lading (BL), this surcharge covers the administrative cost associated with it. With this, you are issued a BL in a location different from the point of origin. This also includes the reissuance of a BL if needed. |
Charge Code
INI
|
Charge Name
Inspection Fee Import
|
Per 20’
ZAR 1272
|
Per 40’
ZAR 1912
|
Per B/L
|
Description & Application
The charge applies when the below Service carried out at the Import end. Charge to cover for costs related to inspection of cargo or container. Typical scenarios would be: outside surveyor, customs requirements, X-ray, veterinary inspection, inspections for certain certificates etc. The charge includes additional moves needed to perform the inspection and it covers the cost of the certificate to be issued, if required, when the Inspection is done for certification. |
Charge Code
AMI
|
Charge Name
Bill of Lading/Delivery Order/Manifest Amendment fee
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
USD 75
|
Description & Application
Amending any details that will affect the amending of the Delivery Order/manifest/bill of lading. For short transit time this will be charged for any amendment once the manifest cut-off over.
|
Charge Code
DCG
|
Charge Name
Destination Certificate charge
|
Per 20’
|
Per 40’
|
Per B/L
ZAR 590 / DRY
ZAR 990 / Reefer |
Description & Application
Issuance of certificate charge.
|
Detention Charges are applicable when the customer holds the line’s equipment longer than the agreed free time, detention days are counted discharge full to gate-in empty minus free days The following charges are applicable when the agreed free time has exceeded and applicable to import shipments from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Imports | Period | 20’ Dry per day / 20’ Reef per day | 40’ Dry per day / 40’ Reef per day | 20’ Special per day | 40’ Special per day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Imports
Please see Free Time table below
|
Period
Day 1 to Day 5 after free time expires
|
20’ Dry per day / 20’ Reef per day
USD 75 / USD 125
|
40’ Dry per day / 40’ Reef per day
USD 140 / USD 240
|
20’ Special per day
USD 120
|
40’ Special per day
USD 240
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 6 to Day 10 after free time expires
|
20’ Dry per day / 20’ Reef per day
USD 95 / USD 200
|
40’ Dry per day / 40’ Reef per day
USD 180 / USD 400
|
20’ Special per day
USD 200
|
40’ Special per day
USD 400
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 11+ after free time expires
|
20’ Dry per day / 20’ Reef per day
USD 125 / USD 250
|
40’ Dry per day / 40’ Reef per day
USD 250 / USD 500
|
20’ Special per day
USD 250
|
40’ Special per day
USD 500
|
Direction | Container Type | Free time in days | Trigger |
---|---|---|---|
Direction
CPT, DUR & PLZ to Coastal and Inland depot
|
Container Type
Dry and Special
|
Free time in days
5 days
|
Trigger
Container Discharge – CPT / PLZ and Inland depot
|
Direction
CPT, DUR & PLZ to Coastal and Inland depot
|
Container Type
Reefer
|
Free time in days
4 days
|
Trigger
Container Discharge (Next day) – DUR DCT & Pier 1
|
Direction
CPT, DUR & PLZ to Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland
|
Container Type
Dry
|
Free time in days
14 days
|
Trigger
|
Direction
CPT, DUR & PLZ to Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland
|
Container Type
Reefer & Special
|
Free time in days
10 days
|
Trigger
|
Direction
JNB & PTA to Inland depot
|
Container Type
All
|
Free time in days
5 days
|
Trigger
From Off-Rail
|
Direction
CPT, DUR, PLZ to Zimbabwe, Zambia & Malawi
|
Container Type
All
|
Free time in days
18 days
|
Trigger
Container Discharge
|
Direction
JNB & PTA to Coastal depot
|
Container Type
All
|
Free time in days
5 days
|
Trigger
Container Discharge
|
Direction
Lesotho, Swaziland & Botswana to Lesotho
|
Container Type
All
|
Free time in days
7 days
|
Trigger
From Off-Rail
|
Direction
Lesotho, Swaziland & Botswana to Botswana
|
Container Type
All
|
Free time in days
7 days
|
Trigger
From Off-Rail
|
Direction
Lesotho, Swaziland & Botswana to Swaziland
|
Container Type
All
|
Free time in days
7 days
|
Trigger
From Off-Rail
|
Imports | Free time in days | Period | 20’ Dry IMO day | 40’ IMO per day |
---|---|---|---|---|
Imports
IMDG 1; 2.1; 2.3; 4.1;
4.2’ 5.1; 6.2; 7 |
Free time in days
0
|
Period
Day 1 to Day 5 after free time expires
|
20’ Dry IMO day
USD 125
|
40’ IMO per day
USD 240
|
Imports
IMDG 3, 4, 6, 8
|
Free time in days
2
|
Period
Day 6 to Day 10 after free time expires
|
20’ Dry IMO day
USD 200
|
40’ IMO per day
USD 400
|
Imports
IMDG 3, 4, 6, 8
|
Free time in days
2
|
Period
Day 11+ after free time expires
|
20’ Dry IMO day
USD 250
|
40’ IMO per day
USD 500
|
Imports
IMDG not mentioned
|
Free time in days
5
|
Period
As listed above
|
20’ Dry IMO day
|
40’ IMO per day
|
Demurrage Terms & Conditions
Demurrage days are counted from container discharge to gate-out full minus the free days. Penalty charge associated with extended use of the container after agreed transit agreement and covers storage of these units. The following charges are penalty surcharges when agreed free time has been exceeded and appear on applicable Import shipments to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Demurrage collection aims to serve 2 purposes: (1) to ensure the release and optimal turnaround of equipment; and (2) recover some contribution towards the cost of idle time, in excess of the standard requirement. The charges become more punitive the longer the container remains unreleased. Charge code used is DMR.
Cleared ContainersAll import containers that have been customs cleared and all necessary documentation has been lodged with Maersk.
Un-cleared ContainersAll import containers that have not been customs cleared and all necessary documentation has not been lodged with Maersk.
- In the event of the Goods having been landed at any South African Port Terminal or City Deep Inland Container Terminal and the Merchant fails to remove the Goods within the time provided for in the Carrier's tariff, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other agreement or document whatsoever, but without prejudice to its rights and liberties in terms thereof including as a matter of contract all benefits under the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules relating to bills of lading signed at Brussels on 25th August 1924 ("the Hague Rules"), on which the Carrier may rely at its sole discretion, the Carrier or its Agent shall be entitled but not obliged, without notice to the Merchant, to haul or arrange for the haulage of the Goods from the Terminal to a depot and to their store them pending payment by the Merchant of all outstanding freight, haulage, storage and any other related costs including but not limited to container demurrage, in respect of which expenses, costs and demurrage the Carrier and/or its agent shall be entitled to exercise a lien until paid. Such haulage and storage shall be undertaken on behalf of the Merchant entirely at its sole risk and expense and neither the Carrier nor its agents or sub-contractors shall have any liability to the Merchant for any loss or damage to the Goods, or in respect of any consequential damages, where so ever and how so ever caused, including by their negligence.
- Notwithstanding the a foregoing and in the event that the proper law, custom and practice, or a competent court by binding decision, extends the period of responsibility of the Carrier otherwise than in accordance with the terms of any applicable Ocean or Multimodal Transport bill of lading to a period after the Carrier tendering the Goods for delivery in terms of Clause 5.2. of the applicable Bill of Lading Terms for Carriage, whether in contract, delict, bailment or deposit, then the Carrier and its agents and sub-contractors shall have the benefit of every right, defence, immunity, limitation and liberty provided for in the Hague Rules during such additional period of responsibility, notwithstanding that the loss or damage did not occur during the period of the carriage by sea.
- The Merchant indemnifies the Carrier, its employees, agents and/or sub-contractors against any claim for customs duties, value-added tax, sales tax, penalties, amounts raised in forfeiture, and any other fines, levies or charges whatsoever in respect of the Goods. For Ocean Transport, the Merchant shall take delivery of the Goods as provided for in clause 22.2 of the Bill of Lading Terms of Carriage, within the above detailed free time applicable to the relevant South African Port Terminal or City Deep Inland Container Terminal.
All container types: Standard demurrage free-time is 3.25 calendar days from next day after container is discharged for Durban and 4 calendar days from date vessel completes discharge for Cape Town, Port Elizabeth. For City Deep Inland Container Terminal; see below. During the peak reefer season in, Port Elizabeth 1ST May – 31ST October, Cape Town 15th November – 31st March free days will be reduced to 2 free days and applicable to reefer shipments only). South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho. Durban reefer detention is reduced to 2 days. OOG Containers: 24hrs from date of discharge for Durban Pier 2.
Imports | Period | 20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day | 20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day | 20’ Special per day | 40’ Special per day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Imports
CPT & PLZ
|
Period
Day 5 & 6
Day 3 & 4 – Reef In Season
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 2411
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 2411
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 7 onwards
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 5300
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 5300
|
Imports
CPT - Multi-purpose
|
Period
Day 5 & 6
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 2411
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 2411
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 7 Onwards
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 1554 / ZAR 3100
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 5300
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 5300
|
Imports
JNB
|
Period
Day 4 & 5
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 7162
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 7162
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 6 onwards
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 11 634
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 11 634
|
Imports
EBS
|
Period
Day 5 & 6
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 240
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 478
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 7 onwards
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 1554 / ZAR 3100
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 1554
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 3100
|
Imports
DUR - Maydon Wharf
|
Period
Day 5 & 6
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 240 / ZAR 478
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 7162
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 7162
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 7 onwards
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 1554 / ZAR 3100
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 11 634
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 11 634
|
Imports
DUR
|
Period
Day 4
Day 3 & 4 Reef
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 2385 / ZAR 4771
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 7162
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 7162
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 5
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 3882 / ZAR 7756
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 3414 / ZAR 5122
|
20’ Special per day
ZAR 11 634
|
40’ Special per day
ZAR 11 634
|
Imports
|
Period
Day 6 onwards
|
20’ Dry per day / 40’ Dry per day
ZAR 3940 / ZAR 7756
|
20’ Reef per day / 40’ Reef per day
ZAR 6835 / ZAR 10252
|
20’ Special per day
-
|
40’ Special per day
-
|
Import Demurrage Charges
IMO 1; 2.1; 2.3; 4.1; 4.2; 5.1; 5.2; 6.2; and 7 require immediate evacuation will be transported to an off-dock facility
IMO 3; 4; 6 and 8 allowed 2 days storage
These are subject to change basis the terminal advisories
IMO Class | Container Type | Free time in days | Trigger |
---|---|---|---|
IMO Class
IMDG 1; 2.1; 2.3; 4.1;
4.2’ 5.1; 6.2; 7 |
Container Type
ALL
|
Free time in days
0
|
Trigger
Discharge
|
IMO Class
IMDG 3, 4, 6, 8
|
Container Type
20
|
Free time in days
2
|
Trigger
Discharge
|
IMO Class
IMDG 3, 4, 6, 8
|
Container Type
40
|
Free time in days
2
|
Trigger
Discharge
|
IMO Class
IMDG 3, 4, 6, 8
|
Container Type
45
|
Free time in days
2
|
Trigger
Discharge
|
Terminals | Period | 20ft IMO | 40ft IMO |
---|---|---|---|
Terminals
Cape Town, Durban & Port Elizabeth
|
Period
Day 3
|
20ft IMO
ZAR 3882
|
40ft IMO
ZAR 3882
|
Terminals
|
Period
Day 4
|
20ft IMO
ZAR 7756
|
40ft IMO
ZAR 7756
|
Terminals
|
Period
Day 5 Onwards
|
20ft IMO
ZAR 11634
|
40ft IMO
ZAR 11634
|
Classes: IMO 9
FREETIME
Terminals | Period | 20ft IMO | 40ft IMO |
---|---|---|---|
Terminals
Cape Town, Durban & Port Elizabeth
|
Period
Day 3 Onwards
|
20ft IMO
ZAR 3882
|
40ft IMO
ZAR 7756
|