South Africa |
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| Business
Environment |
| Market
Information |
Doing
Business in South Africa
Customs Class
South Africa uses the Harmonised System of Tariff Classification,
which is recognised in most countries of the world. It is
important for a company contemplating entering the South African
market to check the customs and import restrictions applicable
to its products.
Points to bear in mind
Prior to trading with South Africa, it is important to bear
the following points in mind:
-Total classification of product, as this will determine duties
and import
permit requirements. Most goods may be imported without restriction.
-Industrial rebates of duties are available for importation
of certain
materials for further manufacturing.
- General rebates of duty are available for specific situations,
and duties
may be rebated on goods re-exported.
-Bonded warehouses are available at various points of entry.
Selling Through an Agent or Distributor
In South Africa, the terms "Agent" and "Distributor" have
a very specific meaning: Agents work on a commission basis
after obtaining orders from customers; Distributors buy and
sell products directly to customers. Agents are often used
for the distribution of durable and non-durable consumer goods,
as well as some industrial raw materials. They may be particularly
appropriate when products are highly competitive and lack
a large market. It is common to appoint a single agent capable
of providing national coverage either through one office or
a network of branch offices. In addition to their role as
the local representatives of exporters, agents should be able
to handle the necessary customs clearances, port and rail
charges, documentation, warehousing, and financing arrangements.
Local agents representing foreign exporters, manufacturers,
shippers, or other principals outside South Africa who export
goods to South Africa, are fully liable, under South African
import control law, for all regulations and controls which
are imposed on the foreign exporters. Local agents are required
to register with the Director of Import and Export Control
of the Department of Trade and Industry. It is important for
a U.S. exporter to maintain close contact with the local agent
to track changes in importing procedures and to ensure that
the agent is effectively representing the sales interest of
the exporter.
Business Hours
Normal office hours in South Africa are between 08:30 and
16:30/17:00 - Monday to Friday. Some offices close between
13:00 and 14:00. Government offices close at 16:00 - Monday
to Friday, and most manufacturing concerns close at 15:00
on Fridays.
Some Useful Sources of Information
Markets and Sectors
http://tradeport.org/ts/countries/safrica/sectors.html
Market Access
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/safrica/market.html
Investment climate
http://www.isa.org.za/
http://mbendi.co.za/werksmns/sabus02.htm
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/safrica/climate.html
Other Sources of information
Braby's EasyInfo: Information on Business in Southern
Africa and
Indian Ocean Islands
http://www.brabys.co.za/
Chamber of Mines South Africa
Includes mining directories, daily news, and industry agreements.
http://www.bullion.org.za/
ExiNet: South African trade information WWW resource
http://www.exinet.co.za/
Exhibitions Association of South Africa (EXSA)
Major trade shows, exhibitions and conventions in Africa.
http://www.infodoor.co.za/exhibitions/exsa/
MBendi Information Services - South Africa Profile
Includes a collection of business information.
http://mbendi.co.za/cysacy.htm
SABTIN: South African Business and Tourism Information
Network
http://www.sabtin.co.za
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