Can I send medicine to South Africa?
Yes, with conditions.
Leave medicines out unless SAHPRA has approved them. Unregistered medicines need section 21 authorization before you order them from abroad. Carry your own supply with a prescription instead.
For every Onvoyo box: Onvoyo can't carry prescription drugs. Over-the-counter medicine and vitamins follow the destination's own rules.
More rules for South Africa
Not allowed
- Narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form
Allowed with conditions
- Medicines
- Unregistered medicines ordered from abroad need SAHPRA authorization under section 21 first. Medicines in parcels can be referred to SAHPRA for inspection. Travelers' personal-supply rules don't cover boxes.
Quantity limits
- Medicines (travelers)
- SARS allows up to 3 months' supply with a doctor's letter or prescription, but SAHPRA's rules allow one month of prescription (Schedule 3-6) medicines with a prescription and prescriber's certificate. Plan on one month. Shipped medicines aren't covered.
Before you ship to South Africa
- Tax-free limit
- There is no duty- and VAT-free threshold. Until August 2024, parcels worth under R500 (about $30) paid a flat 20% in place of duty and no VAT. SARS added 15% VAT from September 1, 2024 and said the flat rate would give way to appropriate duty rates from November 1, 2024. Unsolicited gifts from one private person to another, up to R1,400 (about $84) a parcel and two parcels a year, are free of duty.
- Receiver ID
- South African ID number, passport number, or SARS tax reference number needed. Private receivers who aren't registered with customs are declared under SARS's general client number, with their South African ID number (citizens and permanent residents), passport number (anyone else), or SARS taxpayer reference number. This route is only for private, non-commercial imports. Businesses need their own customs registration.
- Transit
- 3-6 business days from Europe; 4-7 from North America or Asia
Questions
Can I send medicine to South Africa?
Yes, with conditions. Leave medicines out unless SAHPRA has approved them. Unregistered medicines need section 21 authorization before you order them from abroad. Carry your own supply with a prescription instead.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
South African Revenue Service (SARS), Customs and Excise Act, 1964
Schedule 1 Part 1: Customs Duty (Chapters 1 to 99) (opens in a new tab) - 2.
South African Revenue Service (SARS), Customs and Excise Act, 1964
Schedule 4: Rebates of Customs Duties, Excise Duties, Fuel Levy, Road Accident Fund Levy, Environmental Levy and Health Promotion Levy (opens in a new tab) - 3.
South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Arrival in SA (opens in a new tab) - 4.
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)
Guideline for the Importation and Exportation of Medicines (SAHPGL-INSP-RC-02) (opens in a new tab) - 5.
South African Government (Department of Agriculture service)
Import animals and animal products (opens in a new tab) - 6.
South African Government (Department of Agriculture service)
Apply for a plant import permit (opens in a new tab) - 7.
International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC)
Frequently Asked Questions - Import Control (opens in a new tab) - 8.
South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Sending or receiving goods in the post (opens in a new tab) - 9.
South African Revenue Service (SARS)
FAQ: I want to import my personal effects and / or household goods. What do I require? (opens in a new tab) - 10.
South African Revenue Service (SARS)
SC-PA-01-06 Excess Currency External Policy (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in South Africa makes the final decision on every box.