📦 Importing into South Africa with TUNL

Importing into South Africa with TUNL


TUNL now supports import shipments into South Africa directly on the platform.


This allows you to book inbound shipments from international suppliers to a South African address, using the same booking flow you're familiar with.
Imports are currently supported via FedEx only. UPS import support is coming soon.


How to Book an Import

  1. Switch to import mode. At the top of the booking form, use the direction toggle to select "← Import". The form flips into import mode — origin becomes your supplier's overseas address, destination becomes your South African delivery address, and duties/collection logic is reframed for imports.
  2. Complete the "Origin address" section with your overseas supplier's details.
  3. Add your South African receiving address in the "Destination address" section.
  4. Complete the remaining sections — parcels, service (FedEx International Economy or Fedex International Priority), customs (product descriptions, HS codes, values), duties & taxes, protection, options, and pickup.
  5. Complete the booking as usual.


Before You Book: Commercial Invoice Checklist


TUNL generates your commercial invoice automatically from what you enter — but it still needs to be right, since it's what physically clears your goods through customs.


Before you book, have the following ready:

  • ✅ Your supplier's correct name, address and contact details (this is the From party on an import — not your own business)
  • ✅ Your business's name, address and South African VAT number as the To party
  • ✅ Accurate product descriptions, HS codes and declared values for every item
  • ✅ Confirmation of the shipping terms with your supplier (DAP or DDP)
  • ✅ Your Importer Code, registered and active with SARS for imports


Getting this right matters more on an import than an export: South Africa does not accept electronic commercial invoices, so this document has to travel physically with your parcel. See "Why your import's commercial invoice must be physically attached" for the full requirement.


Important Requirements & Notes


1️⃣ Commercial Invoice (Physical Copy Required)

South Africa does not accept electronic commercial invoices for imports.


Your supplier must:

  • Print the commercial invoice
  • Place it in a waybill sleeve behind the waybill


Missing physical documentation may cause customs delays.


2️⃣ What Your Supplier Receives

When you book, TUNL automatically emails your supplier, with your commercial invoice attached as a PDF. You (the merchant), TUNL's imports team, and TUNL's FedEx contact are all cc'd.


The email tells your supplier what to do next — including printing the invoice and informing them of the collection method you have specified in the booking.


If your supplier doesn't respond, or the email bounces, you can resend it from the shipment page.


3️⃣ Importer / Exporter Code Required

You must have a registered Importer Code to clear goods into South Africa.


Important:

  • An importer code is the same number as your exporter code
  • But it must be registered with SARS for both importing and exporting


Please confirm your status with SARS or your clearing agent before shipping.


4️⃣ VAT-Registered vs Non-VAT Registered

If your business is VAT-registered, you can reclaim the import VAT through your VAT return. Please request the SAD500 (bill of entry) from us once it's issued by SARS on arrival. It will be in your business's name and VAT number, regardless of how duties are billed — that's the document your accountant needs.


5️⃣ Duties & Taxes — Two Options

At checkout you'll choose:

  • Pay duties and taxes upfront — Pay the estimated duties and VAT now, through TUNL, at the point of booking.
  • Pay duties and taxes on delivery — FedEx invoices you directly for duties and VAT when the parcel arrives in South Africa. This is not billed through TUNL when booked but you are responsible for the charge.


⚠️ Amount not guaranteed for imports. The amount shown at booking is an estimate. A carrier adjustment may be issued by FedEx after delivery — this can apply either way, including if you've already paid upfront.


6️⃣ Your Booking Summary

Your booking summary will show you:

  • Shipping: the rate based on the parcel weight and dimensions, delivery location and any surcharges (fuel, pick up in an outlying area etc)
  • Shipment protection: a fee to cover your shipping and product value in the event of loss or damage (this is optional but recommended)
  • Duties: the duty applicable for the product items in the shipment determined by their value and the origin and destination
  • Taxes: any taxes applied by customs
  • Clearance fees: additional fees charged by the carrier and/or customs in order for your shipment to clear customs


If you choose to pay duties and taxes on delivery the estimate for these charges will be displayed below the shipping summary, you will not pay TUNL for them upfront but you are responsible for these charges when the shipment is delivered.
You can find your generated commercial invoice PDF — the same one sent to your supplier — on your booking confirmation and tracking pages.


Is This Right for You?


Imports are ideal if you:

  • Source products internationally
  • Import samples or bulk goods
  • Require express inbound shipments



🦸‍♀️ Have more questions? We're here to help!

If you run into any issues or have questions, reach out to our support team via WhatsApp here or on email: support@tunl.to

Updated on: 14/09/2026

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