South Africa
Ready to make your move to South Africa stress-free?
Moving to Norway? Mercia Movers ensures your belongings arrive safely and on time, with full support for customs and delivery.
Secure, scheduled transport
Assistance with import procedures
Flexible services for families or professionals
Start your move today – get your quote online now.
Moving to South Africa?
Mercia Movers Makes It Easy – and Even a Little Fun
If you’re heading to South Africa—whether it’s for work, love, sunshine, or safari—Mercia Movers is your go-to partner for getting there smoothly, safely, and without the customs chaos.
We don’t just pack boxes. We navigate customs forms, permits, and regulations so you don’t have to. And trust us—South Africa doesn’t mess around when it comes to paperwork.
Here’s What You Need to Know (and What We Handle for You):
Moving your household goods to South Africa is duty-free—but only if you’ve got the right paperwork and have been outside the country for at least six months. You’ll need your passport, residency or work permit, and a detailed inventory. You must also be in South Africa at least 10 days before your shipment arrives. (Yes, timing is everything.)
If you’re a returning resident and haven’t been gone long enough, expect duties and a whole parade of permits (one for each category of goods). Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it all.
Shipping a Car? Proceed With Caution.
Cars, bikes, and mopeds can be imported if they’ve been in your use for a full year before the move, but they’ll need an import permit and a Letter of Authority from South Africa’s regulators. Oh, and no left-hand drives made after Jan 2000. For temporary residents, a customs bond is required.
Pets, Plants & Pinotage
Bringing your furry friend? Make sure they’ve got a rabies certificate, health documentation, and an import permit—plus time booked in quarantine if needed. Importing plants? You’ll need a phytosanitary certificate. Want to pack a few bottles of wine or gin? Get an import permit and declare every bottle down to the seal code.
What You Can’t Bring
Leave the walkie-talkies, pornographic material, drugs, and wildlife products at home. Customs takes these laws seriously.
At Mercia Movers, we make international shipping to South Africa easy, fast, and yes—even enjoyable. We’ll handle the fine print so you can focus on sunsets, safaris, and settling into your new South African adventure.
Ready to make your move? Get your free quote today with Mercia Movers – and let’s get you home.
Make the Move to South Africa with Mercia Movers – The Experts in Hassle-Free Relocation
South Africa is more than just Table Mountain, game drives, and glorious coastlines—it’s a land of opportunity, lifestyle, and new beginnings. Whether you’re relocating for work, returning home, or starting a new chapter under the African sun, Mercia Movers makes getting there as smooth as the Cape Town breeze.
Moving internationally can be daunting, especially when dealing with South African customs regulations, which are known for being both thorough and time-sensitive. That’s where we come in.
Customs Requirements – What You’ll Need (and How We Help)
To import your household goods duty-free, you must:
Hold permanent or temporary residence with a valid work permit
Have a detailed inventory of what you’re bringing
Have lived outside South Africa for at least 6 consecutive months
Be physically in South Africa 10 days before your goods arrive
If you’re a returning South African and don’t meet the 6-month requirement, you’ll need import permits for each category of goods (e.g. electronics, wooden furniture), and duties and VAT will apply. For those on tourist visas—even if your residency is pending—you will not qualify for duty-free import.
Sound like a lot? It is. That’s why Mercia Movers takes care of every detail, liaising with local agents and customs officials to keep your relocation stress-free.
Shipping Vehicles – Not for the Faint-Hearted
Yes, you can bring your car or motorcycle—but the rules are strict. You’ll need:
Proof the vehicle was in your use for over a year
A Letter of Authority (LOA) from the National Regulator in Pretoria
An Import Permit from the Department of Trade and Industry
And remember: left-hand drive vehicles purchased after January 1st, 2000 are banned. If you qualify, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure your vehicle lands without drama.
Pets, Plants & Personal Effects
Bringing your cat, dog or parrot? You’ll need:
An import permit
A health and rabies certificate
Pre-arranged quarantine approval
Pet relocation can be tricky, especially from certain countries, but we’ve got the connections to make it work.
Plants? You’ll need a phytosanitary certificate, and they must meet South African agricultural standards. And if you’re planning to bring wood-packaged goods (like crates or pallets), they must be ISPM 15 certified to prevent import delays.
What About Wine, Antiques, or Inherited Items?
Bringing a wine collection? It’s doable—but you’ll need:
A Liquor Removal Certificate
A full breakdown of bottle details
An import permit from the Department of Agriculture
Antiques over 100 years old or works of art that are part of your household move are duty-free, provided they’re not being sold. Inherited goods also qualify for duty-free entry, as long as the heir is a permanent resident and proper documents are in place.
Why Choose Mercia Movers?
We don’t just ship boxes—we deliver peace of mind. With over a decade of experience in global logistics, our team provides:
Door-to-door coordination
Document preparation
Customs clearance expertise
Transparent quotes with no hidden fees
Let us handle the red tape so you can focus on your new life in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Get your free quote today—and let Mercia Movers move you to South Africa, stress-free.
Shipping to South Africa – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move to South Africa?
Generally 21–60 days depending on destination city and size of shipment.
Do I need to handle customs myself?
No. We manage all customs paperwork and procedures.
What documents do I need?
Passport, inventory, residence proof, and import declaration.
Can I import my vehicle?
Yes, but you’ll need to pay local taxes and pass inspections.
Is packing provided?
Yes – expert export wrapping available.
Do you offer storage?
Yes – in the UK and in South Africa.
Are part-loads available?
Yes. Groupage service is common for shipments to South Africa.
Is insurance included?
Optional, but recommended.
Are there seasonal limitations?
We move year-round, even in winter.
How do I get a quote?
Use our online form for a tailored quote.