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Import from China to South Africa
MAG Global Link is your sourcing agent on the ground in China. We find and check suppliers, buy and inspect your goods, and ship them to your door in South Africa.
- Main sea ports
- Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha
- Air freight
- Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), Cape Town
- Customs
- SARS
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
A buying agent in China for South Africa
Shops, salons, contractors and online sellers across South Africa buy stock from China all the time. The hard part is not finding a supplier on Alibaba or 1688. It is knowing whether that supplier is real, whether the bulk order will match the sample, and how to get the goods through the port without surprises.
That is the work we do. We are on the ground in China, so we can speak to the factory, check samples and inspect your order before it ships. Then we coordinate sea or air freight to South Africa and keep you updated on WhatsApp until it reaches you.
Product and supplier sourcing
We find, compare and verify suppliers so you get the right product at the right price.
Procurement and quality checks
We negotiate, pay suppliers securely, approve samples with you and inspect your order before it leaves.
Consolidation
Buying from several suppliers? We collect everything in one place and ship it together.
Shipping coordination to South Africa
Sea or air freight, export documents and tracking, with updates on WhatsApp until your goods arrive.
How goods get from China to South Africa
The usual route, step by step. We confirm the best option for your order and town when we quote.
- CN
Supplier in China
We find and verify the supplier, agree the price, approve samples with you, pay securely and inspect your order when it is ready.
- CN
Export from China
Your goods are packed, consolidated with your other purchases if needed, and booked on a ship or flight with full export documents.
- ZA
Arrival in Durban or Johannesburg
Most sea freight lands at Durban, the busiest container port in the country. Cape Town and Gqeberha suit some routes. Air freight usually arrives at O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg.
- ZA
Customs clearance with SARS
The goods are declared to SARS and duty and import VAT are paid before release. We supply the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading needed to declare them correctly.
- ZA
Delivered to you
Your goods travel by road to your shop, warehouse or home, whether you are in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha or a smaller town.
What buyers in South Africa source with us
The six categories we work in, and many more on request.
Premium-quality hair
Bundles, wigs, closures and frontals for salons and online hair businesses
Furniture and homeware
Furniture for homes, guesthouses, Airbnb units and offices, from single pieces to full fit-outs
Electronics and gadgets
Phones, accessories, audio and smart devices. Check NRCS and ICASA rules before you order
Clothing
Wholesale fashion, school and work uniforms for boutiques and resellers
Beauty supplies
Skincare, cosmetics, salon tools and packaging, including for your own brand
Machinery
Construction, agricultural and production equipment, plus spare parts
Looking for something else, like solar equipment, building materials or vehicle parts? Send us a photo or a link and we'll tell you what we can find.
Before you import into South Africa
A few things worth checking before you place an order. Rules change, so always confirm the details for your product.
Register with SARS if you import for business
Commercial importers normally need to be registered with SARS customs. A clearing agent can help with the registration and tell you what applies to your goods.
Check whether your product needs approval
Many electrical goods need an NRCS letter of authority, and devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a SIM usually need ICASA type approval before they can be sold. Ask us to request the supplier's test reports early.
Work out your full landed cost
The product price is only part of it. Add freight, insurance, customs duty, import VAT, clearing fees and local delivery to know your real cost per item before you set a selling price.
Choose sea or air by weight and urgency
Sea freight is the cheaper option for furniture, machinery and large orders. Air freight costs more per kilo but suits small, urgent or high-value items like hair and electronics.
Questions from South Africa
Can you buy from 1688, Alibaba or Taobao for me and ship to South Africa?
Yes. Send us the product link or a photo. We check the seller, pay them, inspect your goods and arrange shipping to South Africa.
Many 1688 and Taobao sellers only deal with buyers inside China, so having someone on the ground makes this much easier.
How long does shipping from China to South Africa take?
It depends on sea or air, the port, and how quickly the goods clear customs. Sea freight to Durban usually takes several weeks door to door, while air freight is much faster. We give you the current options and times with your quote.
Who pays customs duty and VAT in South Africa?
Duty and import VAT are paid to SARS when the goods are cleared, based on the type of product and its value. We prepare accurate invoices and packing lists so everything is declared correctly. Ask about door-to-door options when you request a quote.
Can you check a supplier before I pay?
Yes. Verifying the supplier is the first thing we do. We confirm the company is real, compare prices with other factories, and approve samples with you before you pay for the full order.
Can you combine goods from different suppliers into one shipment?
Yes. We collect your orders from different suppliers, check them, and consolidate them into one shipment to South Africa. One freight booking and one clearance is usually cheaper and simpler than several small ones.
Do you deliver to Johannesburg and Cape Town?
We coordinate shipping to your door in South Africa, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha. Tell us your town when you ask for a quote.
Ready to import from China to South Africa?
Send us a photo, a link or a list. We'll come back with options and a quote.
Importing to another country?
We also coordinate shipping from China to these countries.