South Africa introduces new invoice-data requirements for formal customs declarations
Formal SAD 500 declarations now require additional electronic invoice and customs-value information through the SAD 509. UK sellers may need to provide fuller invoice and cost data to the importer or broker.
- Who this affects
- Businesses whose goods need a formal SAD 500 declaration in South Africa.
- What you should do
- Provide complete line-level invoice, freight, insurance and valuation information when the importer or broker requests it.
- Current status
- 3 July 2026
- Last checked
- 26 Aug 2026
- Official source
- Open the primary source ↗
South Africa has introduced additional electronic invoice and customs-value data requirements for goods that need a formal customs declaration. The South African importer, courier or customs broker submits the information through a SAD 509 alongside the SAD 500 declaration.
What are the SAD 500 and SAD 509?
The SAD 500 is the main customs declaration used to clear commercial goods entering South Africa. The SAD 509 provides extra commercial-invoice information and customs-value worksheet details.
UK sellers will not normally complete these forms themselves. The courier, customs broker or South African importer may contact the seller for the information needed.
What information could be requested?
- Commercial invoice number and date
- Seller's name, address and country
- Invoice currency and total value
- Incoterm, such as DAP or DDP
- Product code or SKU
- A clear description of each product
- Brand name
- Quantity and unit of measurement
- Price per item and total value for each invoice line
- Any discounts
- Freight, insurance and other charges
Descriptions should explain what the product is. For example, use “women's cotton T-shirt” rather than simply “clothing”.
Does this apply to every e-commerce parcel?
No. The requirement applies when goods are cleared using a formal SAD 500 customs declaration.
Normal postal parcels declared using CN22 or CN23 information are not automatically covered. They could still require formal clearance if South African Customs requests it. The courier or customs broker should confirm when a formal declaration is needed.
What should UK businesses do?
Make sure commercial invoices contain complete and accurate information for every product.
The South African importer or customs broker is responsible for preparing the customs-value worksheet. UK sellers may need to provide invoices, order information or evidence of freight and insurance costs to support it.
Missing or incomplete information could lead to questions and clearance delays. This change affects the information provided during customs clearance; it does not introduce a new duty rate or VAT charge.