How to Register for Trade Agreements on SARS eFiling

How to Register for Trade Agreements on SARS eFiling

Before you start

You'll need:

• An active SARS eFiling account with your business registered as a taxpayer
• An active Exporter's Code (if you don't have one yet, get one first →)
• A proof of address for your business (already on file in eFiling for most businesses)
• Your goods must be manufactured or substantially produced in South Africa to qualify

Step 1 — Log in and switch to your business profile

1. Go to sarsefiling.co.za and log in
2. At the top of the screen, find the Portfolio dropdown and select your business name (not your personal name)
3. In the Taxpayer dropdown next to it, also select your business name
4. You should now see Customs appear in the top navigation bar — if you don't, you're still on your personal profile

Step 2 — Open Customs Registration

1. Click Customs in the top navigation
2. In the left sidebar, click Registration Licensing Accreditation

Step 3 — Select your customs code

1. You'll see a table with your Customs Reference Number and its status
2. Confirm the status shows as ACTIVE — if it doesn't, your exporter's code needs to be resolved before continuing
3. Select the radio button next to your customs code and click Continue

Step 4 — Start a new application

1. You're now in the RLA dashboard.
2. Click the RLA ▼ dropdown in the top left corner
3. Under Registrations, click New Application

Step 5 — Select the registration type

1. You'll see a list of categories. Click Registration to expand it
2. Click Exporters for preferential tariff treatment to expand it further
3. Click Exporter for SADC-EPA (local) — this is the EU trade agreement registration

Also registering for UK shipments? Once you've completed the EU application, repeat Steps 4–5 and select Exporter for SACUM-UK-EPA (local) instead.

Step 6 — Contact details (optional)

1. This step is optional — you can skip it or add a contact person for the application

Step 7 — Physical address

1. Your registered business address will be pre-populated
2. At the bottom of the page, answer Yes to: "Will all the Customs/Excise transactional documents be stored at this location?" — this means your invoices, packing lists, and customs paperwork are kept at your business address
3. If your records are stored elsewhere (e.g. at your accountant's office), select No and add that address instead

Step 8 — Disclosure Customs

1. This is a compliance declaration. You'll be asked whether you, or any manager/director/trustee of the business, have:

• • Contravened customs laws
  • Been convicted of an offence
  • Been convicted of fraud or dishonesty
  • Been declared insolvent or in liquidation
  • Have outstanding amounts due to SARS

2. Select No for all questions (if any answer is Yes, you'll need to resolve that with SARS before applying)

Step 9 — Upload supporting documents and submit

1. SARS will request a Proof of Address for your business — upload a recent municipal invoice or lease agreement if it's not already pre-populated
2. You can attach Additional Documents here if you want to support your origin claim (optional at this stage — SARS may request them later)
3. Tick the Declaration checkbox at the bottom: "I declare that the particulars in the application and all annexures are true and correct"
4. Click Submit
5. Processing can take up to 60 seconds — wait for the confirmation screen

Step 10 — Confirmation

1. You'll see: "Application Submitted Successfully!" with a reference number and case number — note these down
2. Your application status will show as In Progress on your RLA dashboard
3. You should also recieve an email confirming that the application is in process

What happens next

SARS will review your application under a Documentary Inspection process. This means they may contact you to provide documents proving your goods are of South African origin — for example, bills of materials or supplier invoices showing local inputs. Most straightforward manufacturers won't face any issues. SARS will notify you of the outcome by email.

Once approved, a new Exporter for SADC-EPA (local) entry will appear under your Registered Client Types — that's your confirmation. SARS will also email you confirmation that you are registered under the trade agreement. That will look like this.

Want someone to do this for you?

Our partner Import Export License can handle the full registration on your behalf — covering the SADC-EU, UK-SACUM, and SACU-EFTA agreements in one go.

Use code "TUNL" for 15% off (valid until 30 June 2026)

Have these documents ready before you start:

• Company registration certificate
• Bank account confirmation letter
• Proof of business address (latest municipal invoice or valid lease agreement)
• Latest phone or cell account invoice
• Completed information and resolution form (provided at checkout)

When you're ready to apply, go to:

1. https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/amend-existing-export-license/
2. Select "Amend Existing Export License"
3. Click "Add Trade Agreement" → "Add – SADC-EU" (and whichever additional agreements you wish to apply for)
4. Click "Add to Cart" → "Checkout"
5. In the second blue bar next to "Have a coupon?", Click "Click here to enter your code"
6. Enter "TUNL", click Apply Coupon and continue to place your order

They'll handle the rest.

Updated on: 25/05/2026