Frequently Asked questions regarding Custom Duties & Tax Fees
PLEASE NOTE: When you import products from abroad, certain duty fees will apply to the items in your order.
IMPORTANT: Import duty fees are not controlled by BUFFALO, as it is different for every order.
1. What are duty fees?
This is a fee levied on imported goods with the aim of raising revenue and protecting the local market. They are usually calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods (set in the schedules to the Customs and Excise Act).
2. Why is every duty fee different?
Every country has its own tax laws and regulations in terms of how duty fees are calculated, and there are many additional and personal factors that impact how your duty fees are calculated. For instance, your import order history (which is linked to your ID number), your earning power, and the value of the product you are importing are just some examples of factors that the authorities take into consideration when calculating and applying your duty fee. In addition, duty fees are subject to change without prior notice from the government.
3. Can you tell me what the duty fee will be when I order?
Unfortunately, not. Information around the duty fee is only made available once the goods have arrived in the country and passed through Customs.
4. Why should I pay the import duty fee to BUFFALO?
Once the order has gone through customs, BUFFALO collects it from the airport, and we pay the duty fee on your behalf. You are then charged by BUFFALO to imburse us for the fee that we paid upfront.
5. When I contacted SARS, they informed me that BUFFALO is charging me not SARS.
Correct! As stated above, BUFFALO pays your duty fee to SARS upon receipt of your order, and you are therefore paying us back.
BUFFALO is a trusted Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). This means we are approved by SARS Customs and compliant with World Customs Organisation, compliance and supply chain security standards. We go the extra mile to ensure that we follow the rules and regulations of the country to help grow the economy and ensure your customer service satisfaction. For more information, please visit: https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/registration-licensing-and-accreditation/accreditation/
