Shipping to South Africa from the UK

The cost of shipping to South Africa from the UK depends on three main factors: the volume of goods, the shipping method and your UK collection address.

A shared container (LCL, or less-than-container load) is the most cost-effective option for moves up to roughly 15 cubic metres.

Your belongings share space with other customers' goods and are charged per cubic metre. Expect to pay between £150 and £250 per cubic metre for LCL shipments to South Africa, depending on current freight rates and fuel surcharges.

A full 20-foot container holds approximately 25 to 28 cubic metres and suits a one- or two-bedroom property.

Prices for a full 20-foot box typically range from £2,800 to £4,200 door to door. A 40-foot container, suitable for three or more bedrooms, runs from £3,800 to £5,500. These figures include collection, export wrapping, sea freight, destination handling and delivery to a single address in a main South African city.

Additional costs to budget for include South African customs duties on new or high-value items, a quarantine inspection fee (levied by South African authorities on all personal-effects shipments), and any specialist crating for antiques or large artworks.

Giant Van gives you a fixed written quote before you commit.

Call or complete our online form to get pricing based on your actual inventory.

South Africa allows returning residents and new immigrants to import used personal effects duty-free under rebate item 407.00, provided the goods have been in your ownership and use for at least six months.

New, unused items do not qualify for duty relief and will be assessed for VAT (currently 15%) and import duty by the South African Revenue Service.

To claim the rebate, you must have been absent from South Africa for at least six months and present proof of your foreign residence such as utility bills or a tenancy agreement.

You also need a South African ID document or valid visa permitting permanent or long-term residence.

The required documents for customs clearance include a detailed inventory with values in South African rand, a copy of your passport, your South African ID or permit, a completed DA 304A rebate form, a copy of the original bill of lading or sea waybill and proof of South African address.

Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition without prior police permits, certain animal products subject to CITES regulations, and any biological matter that has not been treated and certified.

Plants and soil are strictly controlled and generally not permitted without a phytosanitary certificate.

South Africa conducts quarantine inspections on all personal-effects shipments.

An inspection fee of approximately R2,000 to R5,000 is levied at the port regardless of the shipment's contents. Budget for this cost separately. Giant Van's destination partner guides you through every document requirement before your shipment sails.