Factory-direct from China to South Africa, with ICASA and NRCS checked before you pay.
An Irish-run team of 53 on the ground in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou, buying direct for South African retailers, phone shops and brands. We check the approvals your products need and inspect every order before it ships.
Three ways we help South African importers buy direct.
Phones & Parts
Used iPhones, Android phones, screens and batteries for South African phone shops, bought in Huaqiangbei and tested in Shenzhen before they ship.
See phones & parts for South Africa →
Shenzhen Electronics
Portable power stations, home batteries, smart home, CCTV and wearables direct from Shenzhen factories, certified for South Africa and inspected before shipping.
See shenzhen electronics for South Africa →
Private Label
Your product, your brand, your packaging, made by vetted factories in Shenzhen and Dongguan and delivered to South Africa. Samples, moulds, QC and shipping managed.
See private label for South Africa →The essentials, in plain English.
Import VAT: 15%
VAT on imports is 15%, calculated on the customs value plus 10%, plus any duties.
SourceDuty: check your HS code
South Africa has no free trade agreement with China, so the general rate applies. In 2025 the 9% luxury excise was removed for smartphones up to R2,500 but still applies above that.
SourceRegistration
Importers must register with SARS Customs (Registration, Licensing and Accreditation). Non-resident importers must appoint a registered agent.
SourceExpress couriers deliver door to door from Shenzhen to South Africa. It is the fastest route for phones, parts and samples, and we confirm the transit time with the carrier in your quote.
Larger orders go by sea from Yantian or Shekou to Durban or Cape Town. Sailing times depend on the carrier and the season, so we include the forwarder's current schedule with your price.
Irish-run. On the ground in China. Answerable to you.
- Noel Murphy has lived and worked in China since 2008.
- 53 people on the ground: 47 in Shenzhen, 6 in Zhengzhou.
- Our own full-time buyer in the Huaqiangbei electronics market.
- Every order inspected before it ships. Problems fixed in China, not after they land in South Africa.
- Offices in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou, where the team works and your goods are checked.
Sourcing from China for South Africa, answered.
What VAT applies to imports into South Africa?
Import VAT is 15%, calculated on the customs value plus 10%, plus duties. Duty depends on the HS code; South Africa has no free trade agreement with China.