28th Jul, 2025
When importing or exporting goods in South Africa and across regional borders, even the smallest customs mistake can lead to costly delays, penalties, and lost revenue. From inaccurate documentation to choosing the wrong incoterms, customs errors can stall your supply chain and put your business reputation at risk.
At BAC Logistics, we specialise in customs clearing that eliminates guesswork and keeps your cargo moving. This article highlights the most common customs mistakes businesses make and how BAC helps you avoid them through expert guidance and compliance-driven services.
Missing or incorrectly completed documents are among the most common causes of customs delays. Businesses often underestimate the complexity of paperwork required for international shipments, especially when moving goods across multiple jurisdictions like SADC or COMESA.
BAC offers customs pre-clearance services to review, validate, and submit your documents ahead of shipment arrival. Our team ensures compliance with all SARS (South African Revenue Service) requirements and double-checks every detail before clearance submission.
✅ Bonus Tip: Our experience with bonded warehousing and cross-border transport means we understand region-specific regulations, so you don’t have to.
The Harmonised System (HS) Code determines how your goods are taxed and regulated. Assigning the wrong HS code either through error or guesswork can lead to overpayment of duties or penalties for non-compliance.
Our customs experts provide tariff and classification consultations to ensure your goods are correctly categorised. This not only saves you from costly penalties but can also optimise duty savings through preferential trade agreements where applicable.
Failing to budget for import duties, VAT, and other customs-related costs can create major cash flow disruptions. This is especially risky for first-time importers or businesses dealing with high-value consignments.
Through detailed customs clearing, BAC advises clients on the full cost implications of their shipments upfront. We help you forecast duties and taxes based on accurate HS codes and cargo values, avoiding surprises at the border.
In South Africa, pre-clearing your goods before arrival significantly speeds up port or border processing. Businesses that submit late or incorrect pre-clearance documentation often experience warehousing delays, storage penalties, and shipment backlogs.
BAC’s pre-clearance service is one of our most valuable time-saving tools. We work proactively, submitting and confirming all necessary paperwork with customs authorities before the cargo even lands. This reduces port dwell time and eliminates unnecessary demurrage or storage fees.
Incoterms define who is responsible for various parts of the shipping journey, including insurance, documentation, and customs clearance. Choosing the wrong Incoterm can shift unexpected responsibility onto your business, increasing risk and cost.
We assist clients in selecting the most appropriate Incoterms based on their shipment type, origin, destination, and risk appetite. Our team explains the financial and legal implications of each option, so you can choose with confidence.
Cross-border trade across SADC and COMESA countries often involves non-uniform customs rules, including licensing requirements, banned goods, and additional inspections. Businesses unfamiliar with these markets may unknowingly violate local laws.
With a footprint and logistics expertise that spans South Africa and the broader region, BAC provides cross-border regulatory support tailored to your destination. Whether you’re shipping mining equipment to Botswana or liquor products into Namibia, we handle route-specific documentation and compliance checks.
Some businesses prioritise cost over capability, working with agents who lack SARS accreditation or relevant experience. This often results in delayed clearances, poor communication, or failed inspections.
BAC Logistics is SARS compliant, accredited, and backed by decades of customs clearing experience. Our team doesn’t just process paperwork; we partner with your supply chain, ensuring every clearance aligns with your logistics strategy and industry standards.
At BAC Logistics, we don’t see customs as a standalone task; it's part of your larger supply chain strategy. Our customs services are fully integrated with:
Road Freight & Cross Border Transport
Air & Sea Freight Management
Bonded Warehousing
High Value & Sector Specific Goods
Customs Clearing & Pre-Clearance
Regulatory Consultations
This end-to-end model ensures a single point of accountability and maximises efficiency for your cargo no matter where it’s headed.
Every delay, fine, or inspection can ripple across your entire supply chain. Whether you’re shipping bulk cargo across borders or importing goods via air or sea, customs mistakes are not worth the risk.
With BAC Logistics, you gain a proactive logistics partner that ensures full customs compliance while keeping your operations agile, informed, and on the move.
Speak to BAC Logistics today for tailored guidance that keeps your cargo compliant and your business moving.
We pride ourselves on being the only logistics, transport and retail services business that attends to customers' needs with a complete, end-to-end solution.
Reach out to us through the contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
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