Why Getting an Exporter Code Is a Game-Changer for South African SMEs
If you're a South African small business eyeing global markets, here's a not-so-secret weapon you’ll want in your toolkit: your Exporter Code.
Yes, you can ship internationally using your South African ID—as long as you don’t exceed R150 000 in export value per year. But if you're serious about growing globally, that ID won’t get you very far. An Exporter Code does much more than tick a compliance box—it opens doors.
An Exporter Code (also called a Customs Code) is a unique identifier issued by SARS. It's required once your export volume exceeds a certain threshold—and honestly, even before then, it's worth having. It streamlines the customs process, keeps your paperwork tidy, and gives your business legitimacy in the eyes of customs officials around the world.
Here’s how an Exporter Code gives you a global edge:
With an Exporter Code, customs clearance is smoother and faster. Your details are already linked in the SARS system, which means less back-and-forth, fewer delays, and no last-minute scrambles to verify your identity.
Certain trade agreements and international regulations require you to have an Exporter Code. With it, your business is in the clear, and you’re ready to access benefits like preferential tariff rates and duty exemptions.
Every time you ship, your Exporter Code auto-fills your info into customs systems. That means:
Fewer manual inputs
Less room for error
Less paperwork to keep track of
Shipping with an Exporter Code allows for seamless collections by major couriers like FedEx and UPS. No frantic emails or customs red tape—just smooth, predictable pickups and deliveries.
Want in on special export rebates or incentives? Most require a valid Exporter Code. It’s your access pass to free trade agreements and government-backed export support programmes.
Customs and courier systems can trace your shipments directly to your business. That means:
Better reporting
More transparency
Fewer disputes when things go wrong
Because your code is verified by SARS, it reassures customs agents (and your overseas buyers) that you’re the real deal. No one wants their parcel held up due to identity verification issues.
You technically can. If you're under the R150 000 threshold and shipping casually, your South African ID can be used in place of an Exporter Code.
After that? Delays, confusion, and potential shipment holds.
At TUNL, we highly recommend getting your Exporter Code sorted early to avoid headaches later. Here's how.
If you plan to ship using your South African ID number (instead of an exporter code), please make sure the name on your TUNL account matches your legal name — exactly as it appears on your ID.
For example, if your name is Samantha Cross and your business is called Shippo, but you're exporting under your personal ID, you’ll need to sign up as Samantha Cross — not Shippo. That way, your export documents and ID align properly.
❗️ If you're using your ID, you cannot ship under your business name.
You'll also need to present a copy of your ID when the courier arrives for collection.
👉 This is non-negotiable and required for customs clearance.
👉 Following this process helps prevent delays and ensures your shipment clears export control smoothly.
If you’re confident navigating SARS systems, register your business (or yourself) directly:
👉 View the SARS guide
Be warned: it’s not exactly user-friendly. But doable.
We recommend Graeme Lennie at The Customs Hub.
📧 [graeme@thecustomshub.co.za]()
📞 082 341 6238
He’ll guide you through the process for a fee—paperwork, forms, and all. Just mention you were referred by TUNL.
Contact Telana Swart
🌐 www.importexportlicense.co.za
📧 [telana@importexportlicense.co.za]()
📞 087 550 1038
Once registered, log in to sarsefiling.co.za, go to the Customs tab, and check under RLA that your code shows as “Active.” This means you’re officially onboarded.
If you’re still shipping under your ID, think of an Exporter Code as your passport to faster collections, fewer delays, and better global credibility.
Whether you’re scaling your e-commerce store or exploring wholesale exports, it’s a no-brainer.
Keywords: Exporter Code registration | International shipping compliance | Customs Exporter Code | How to get an Exporter Code | Shipping documentation guide | Exporter Code requirements | TUNL Exporter Code
Yes, you can ship internationally using your South African ID—as long as you don’t exceed R150 000 in export value per year. But if you're serious about growing globally, that ID won’t get you very far. An Exporter Code does much more than tick a compliance box—it opens doors.
What is an Exporter Code?
An Exporter Code (also called a Customs Code) is a unique identifier issued by SARS. It's required once your export volume exceeds a certain threshold—and honestly, even before then, it's worth having. It streamlines the customs process, keeps your paperwork tidy, and gives your business legitimacy in the eyes of customs officials around the world.
Why You Should Ditch the ID and Register for an Exporter Code
Here’s how an Exporter Code gives you a global edge:
✅ Simplified Customs Clearance
With an Exporter Code, customs clearance is smoother and faster. Your details are already linked in the SARS system, which means less back-and-forth, fewer delays, and no last-minute scrambles to verify your identity.
✅ Regulatory Compliance Made Easy
Certain trade agreements and international regulations require you to have an Exporter Code. With it, your business is in the clear, and you’re ready to access benefits like preferential tariff rates and duty exemptions.
✅ Streamlined Documentation
Every time you ship, your Exporter Code auto-fills your info into customs systems. That means:
Fewer manual inputs
Less room for error
Less paperwork to keep track of
✅ Seamless Collections with Couriers
Shipping with an Exporter Code allows for seamless collections by major couriers like FedEx and UPS. No frantic emails or customs red tape—just smooth, predictable pickups and deliveries.
✅ Unlock Export Incentives & Trade Programmes
Want in on special export rebates or incentives? Most require a valid Exporter Code. It’s your access pass to free trade agreements and government-backed export support programmes.
✅ Improved Trackability
Customs and courier systems can trace your shipments directly to your business. That means:
Better reporting
More transparency
Fewer disputes when things go wrong
✅ Lower Risk of Fraud
Because your code is verified by SARS, it reassures customs agents (and your overseas buyers) that you’re the real deal. No one wants their parcel held up due to identity verification issues.
Can You Ship Without One?
You technically can. If you're under the R150 000 threshold and shipping casually, your South African ID can be used in place of an Exporter Code.
After that? Delays, confusion, and potential shipment holds.
At TUNL, we highly recommend getting your Exporter Code sorted early to avoid headaches later. Here's how.
Important Note on Exporter Details
If you plan to ship using your South African ID number (instead of an exporter code), please make sure the name on your TUNL account matches your legal name — exactly as it appears on your ID.
For example, if your name is Samantha Cross and your business is called Shippo, but you're exporting under your personal ID, you’ll need to sign up as Samantha Cross — not Shippo. That way, your export documents and ID align properly.
❗️ If you're using your ID, you cannot ship under your business name.
You'll also need to present a copy of your ID when the courier arrives for collection.
👉 This is non-negotiable and required for customs clearance.
👉 Following this process helps prevent delays and ensures your shipment clears export control smoothly.
How to Register for an Exporter Code in South Africa
Option 1: DIY via SARS eFiling
If you’re confident navigating SARS systems, register your business (or yourself) directly:
👉 View the SARS guide
Be warned: it’s not exactly user-friendly. But doable.
Option 2: Use a Customs Consultant
We recommend Graeme Lennie at The Customs Hub.
📧 [graeme@thecustomshub.co.za]()
📞 082 341 6238
He’ll guide you through the process for a fee—paperwork, forms, and all. Just mention you were referred by TUNL.
Option 3: Go Through Import Export Services
Contact Telana Swart
🌐 www.importexportlicense.co.za
📧 [telana@importexportlicense.co.za]()
📞 087 550 1038
Important: SARS RLA Activation Required
Once registered, log in to sarsefiling.co.za, go to the Customs tab, and check under RLA that your code shows as “Active.” This means you’re officially onboarded.
Wrap-Up: Export Like a Pro
If you’re still shipping under your ID, think of an Exporter Code as your passport to faster collections, fewer delays, and better global credibility.
Whether you’re scaling your e-commerce store or exploring wholesale exports, it’s a no-brainer.
Keywords: Exporter Code registration | International shipping compliance | Customs Exporter Code | How to get an Exporter Code | Shipping documentation guide | Exporter Code requirements | TUNL Exporter Code
Updated on: 05/06/2025
Thank you!