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Avoiding customs risks with DACHSER South Africa

Customs plays a vital role in protecting society by securing transport chains by ensuring product safety and by combating cross-border crime. However, inefficient customs can be a barrier to trade and a key risk factor for companies already operating in a more challenging environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, the value derived from using an experienced logistics provider can lead to significant cost savings. For clients experiencing cost drainage and time delays when moving goods, it might be time to consider their holistic logistics solution carefully.  Read more

Managing Director of DACHSER South Africa, Detlev Duve, says, “Measures undertaken to address the health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, including stringent social distancing regulations and stricter transit requirements, have impacted the movement of goods, border procedures and customs in unprecedented ways. Customs border administrations across the regions, already overloaded, have been further stretched, with an impact on the smooth flow of logistics across the region.  The digitisation of transport and trade procedures and the harmonisation of customs regulations must be a strategic imperative during COVID-19, and beyond. However, in many countries across the African continent, we’re not there yet.”

To avoid significant time delays and unforeseen cost implications, Duve says it’s vital that companies involved in international trade understand and comply with changing regulations and requirements. However, getting to grips with regulatory environments be challenging for companies and divert resources away from core business priorities, making a trusted logistics partner an essential part of doing business.

“It has always been a priority Dachser’s teams to be up to speed on customs regulations and procedures, which includes the legal requirements necessary for moving goods into or out of South Africa - and the African continent,” says Duve.  “Our Customs team follows streamlined processes and includes specialist personnel who can analyse and assess client requirements. 

Customs compliance

DACHSER's teams can verify all paperwork for compliance and accuracy, as well as verify and understand International Commercial Terms (known as Incoterms). “Our teams must understand what our clients are importing or exporting, and the requirements around these products. They further consider where costs can be saved or passage expedited. For example, certain processes could entitle an importer or exporter to claim back a percentage of duties paid to Customs.” 

Rigorous compliance with Customs requirements includes making sure that the product is correctly classified and declared, that it is accurately valued and that the necessary documentation is on hand at the time of clearance, says Duve.  “We have a good working relationship with the local customs’ authorities and have worked closely with them as we moved through the changing regulations of the pandemic, and the transportation of essential goods.”

Many delays occur when importers provide the incorrect tariff headings, or do not have the sales agreement, proof of payment other required information to hand.   Delays can also be experienced when the importer does not have the necessary permission to import the product or cannot produce the proper permit or Letter of Authority. Duve says, “We advise our clients thoroughly on the requirements before beginning any process.  We then closely monitor our clients’ entries, and if there is a possibility of delay, we act upon it immediately through the various channels. Our teams follow these up frequently, and escalate until goods are released.”

Bonded storage to save costs

DACHSER also offers bonded storage, which enables cargo to be stored for up to 2 years.  “Bonded store allows the importer a better cash flow given that they can remove goods only as and when needed.  In doing so, the importer is only required to pay the VAT and Customs duties on those items extracted.  Additionally, the importer can also transfer ownership of the goods, making the new owner liable for any VAT and duties payable.”  Duve says that importers are also able to inspect the goods in the bond store, before paying VAT and duties, to ensure that the correct cargo was shipped and that the quality and quantity is correct. 

DACHSER offers another option to clients when a portion of imported goods are going to be directly exported. “If the client does not need to clear the entire shipment, DACHSER South Africa will clear the goods directly into our bond store and no duty or VAT will be paid until the cargo is moved out,” Duve explains. “We keep full control of the stock.  Should the client require a portion of stock to be released for local supply we clear the goods, paying the duty and VAT on behalf of the client and billing this back.  If a portion of the stock needed to go to an African country, we would move this out with a bonded truck to that country, where the cargo would be cleared.  In this way, the client is spared having to pay duty and VAT twice.”

Duve says that DACHSER South Africa continues to seek value-added solutions for their clients as they deal with the pandemic.  “Our commitment is to provide our clients with a holistic and seamless solution and we see ourselves as an extension of their businesses.  This means that we take care of all aspects of the transportation, including customs, storing, handling and the safe delivery of goods from origin to destination.”  

Operational disruptions at the port of Hamburg cause backlogs

With this update, DACHSER would like to inform you that port operations in Hamburg are currently affected in their flow due to various factors.

With this update, DACHSER would like to inform you that port operations in Hamburg are currently affected in their flow due to various factors.

The current situation of congestion in the northern and western ports has become even more acute in Hamburg. The deployment of the explosive ordnance disposal service twice to defuse World War II bombs in construction areas and a demonstration by climate activists, which led to the temporary closure of an important access road last week, are causing disruptions in handling operations.

Please note that this is causing significant delays at all operational interfaces in the port of Hamburg area and has created a backlog that will continue for some time.

For detailed information on possible impacts on your current shipments, please contact your local DACHSER representative.

Flexibility and consolidation are key to navigating Africa’s evolving logistics challenges

With logistics across Africa facing mounting complexities in 2025, businesses are under increasing pressure to overcome a range of challenges. From congested ports in South Africa to the difficulties of managing risks in high-volume shipping lanes like the Cape of Good Hope or securing airfreight capacity, companies must find innovative and reliable logistics solutions to remain competitive.

“The current logistics landscape demands flexibility, control, and efficiency,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director at DACHSER South Africa. “We're finding solutions to address the challenges head-on, enabling our customers to operate with confidence.”

African businesses are grappling with several pressing issues in the logistics sector, says Duve. "Cape Town’s worsening port congestion, which can lead to vessel anchorage delays of up to 10 days, is disrupting timetables and pushing up costs. The rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope adds significant shipping time, up to 10 days. Increasing demand in airfreight as shippers switch to the skies is straining available capacity. Further complicating the picture, geopolitical tensions near critical trade corridors such as the Red Sea are creating ongoing risks for maritime traffic."

Compounding these challenges are rising freight rates, driven by a shift in capacity as larger vessels are repurposed for more lucrative global trade lanes, leaving smaller ships to service Africa. "For shippers, these market dynamics translate to tighter margins, reduced operational efficiencies, and heightened uncertainty," says Duve. "A close, transparent partnership with your logistics provider is critical."

DACHSER South Africa is stepping up to empower businesses across the region with tailored services, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, providing solutions rooted in experience and expertise.

Visibility with advanced track and trace

In a market prone to unpredictability, remaining informed is essential. Within its integrated DACHSER platform the logistics provider has deployed an enhanced track-and-trace system offering visibility into shipments. This innovation allows businesses to monitor their goods’ movement with accuracy and make informed logistical decisions. “Being in control of your shipment status is critical in today’s environment, and our track-and-trace tools ensure that our customers are always one step ahead,” explains Duve.

Diversified shipping options, balancing transit time and costs

Duve says it's vital to quickly analyse costs and lead times across different ports and carriers to find the most suitable arrangements for specific business needs. "We're working with clients to balance transit time and costs, evaluating trade-offs between faster delivery and higher shipping expenses to determine cost-efficient solutions."

Consolidation strategy to combat rising freight costs

To counter rising freight rates caused by limited capacity on certain routes, DACHSER has enhanced its global LCL services, which consolidate multiple small shipments into one larger consignment. This approach allows businesses to optimise their logistics budgets. DACHSER has also expanded its own consolidations specifically designed to manage time-sensitive cargo.
 

“At DACHSER, we manage block bookings for key trade routes and time-sensitive shipments, ensuring our customers receive cost-effective yet reliable service,” underscores Duve. By refining its already extensive consolidation network, DACHSER is extending access to more affordable shipping solutions without compromising on delivery timelines.

Supporting airfreight needs with block space agreements

The story of airfreight in 2025 centres on demand outpacing capacity, especially as online retail continues its steady growth. To fill this gap, DACHSER leverages its strategic block space agreements with air carriers. These agreements secure much-needed capacity for businesses reliant on airfreight, while DACHSER’s consolidation of shipments reduces overall costs.

“With our airfreight consolidation services backed by efficient block booking systems, our customers can move critical consignments without delay—even amidst volatile market conditions,” Duve explains.

Streamlining customs with AEO expertise

Navigating customs procedures is often a bottleneck in the African logistics chain. By securing top-tier Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) approval from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), DACHSER provides its customers expedited customs clearance and access to a dedicated SARS channel to resolve issues swiftly.
 

“We’re proud to be an approved AEO service provider. This not only streamlines border control processes for our customers but also guarantees reliability in unpredictable conditions,” adds Duve.

Sustaining an efficient supply chain requires constant adaptation and collaboration. By equipping businesses in Africa with robust digital tools, streamlined customs practices and scalable consolidation options, DACHSER effectively addresses both the immediate and long-term challenges in logistics.
 

“We are strategic partners invested in helping our customers build resilient supply chains,” says Duve. “From enhanced visibility to cost-saving strategies, DACHSER delivers solutions that adapt and evolve in sync with Africa’s dynamic markets.”
 

It is time to take proactive steps towards reliable logistics. Reach out to DACHSER today for comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

(ENDS)

About DACHSER:

DACHSER, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. The latter is divided into two business lines, DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems provide for intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.0 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 82.3 million shipments weighing 44.1 million metric tons. Country organisations represent DACHSER in 43 countries. For more information about DACHSER, please visit dachser.com

Sea freight: update on the global situation

Due to the ongoing disruption of the sea freight market, the after-effects (container shortages and frequent port congestion) continue to impact global supply chains. Below, we provide an update on all developments to minimize potential disruptions to your business.

US West Coast / San Pedro Bay / Port of Los Angeles

• The situation in the US has improved over the last 6 weeks, but there are still several container ships queuing in San Pedro Bay to enter the port to be unloaded.
• The impact can still be seen in the sea freight inland logistics chain. The constant and high volume of loaded containers flowing into the U.S. continues to make it difficult to relieve the existing backlog.

Suez Canal

• Although this incident occurred more than 10 weeks ago, sea freight traffic is still out of balance due to the so-called "ripple effects."
• After the unblocking of the Suez Canal, European ports were first congested due to the sudden and high inbound volume. This was followed by the Asian ports, especially the Chinese ports.

Ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven / Rotterdam

• Due to the blockade of the Suez Canal and the aforementioned "ripple effects", operations at the ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven were also out of balance.
• Due to this congestion, shipping companies were induced to re-route ships to Wil-helmshaven or to Rotterdam.
• Within the Rotterdam operation, delays are now also expected, possibly leading to disruptions in port operations.

Ports of Yantian / Shekou / Nansha

• Delays are occurring in the South China region (Yantian / Shekou / Nansha, etc.) due to restricted port operations. It is expected that the resumption of regular operations will have to be done gradually and that full capacity cannot be reached in the foreseeable future.

We are in close contact with carriers and service providers on a daily basis and do our best to make your supply chain as smooth as possible. For individual advice, please contact your local representative of DACHSER so that we can implement the best logistics solution for you.