You are about to import or export products between Vietnam and South Africa, and you are having difficulties finding reliable information. Don’t panic; import and export procedures are very complex and stressful. This guide is here to give you answers to all your questions about trade between Vietnam and South Africa. FNM is here to help you with all your imports and exports. 

Summary

Trade relations between the two countries

According to the Vietnam Trade Bureau in South Africa, South Africa is the largest trading partner of Vietnam in Africa and also the only "Partner for Cooperation and Development" of Vietnam on this continent. Meanwhile, Vietnam is South Africa's ninth-biggest trading partner in Asia.

According to data from the Vietnam Trade Bureau in South Africa, Vietnam exported $724.3 million to South Africa last year, down by 3.7% over a year, but its imports from this country rose from 59.5% to $386.4 million. The decline in orders and value of cell phones and accessories—the bulk of Vietnam's exports to South Africa—was cited by the bureau's director, Dào Manh Duc, as the reason for the decline in Vietnamese exports. In 2018, these items only generated $227 million, a 22.2% year-over-year decline.

Last year, footwear, electronics, and IT items were the three other top exports from Vietnam to South Africa, with respective exports of $108.8 million and $96.2 million. Last year, the value of coffee exports increased by a remarkable 108.4% to $17.3 million. However, Pepper saw a 37% decline to $9.2 million. Vietnamese imports from South Africa increased significantly due to a spike in the prices of wood, fruit, and vegetables by 35.5% and 46.9%, respectively. You should read this to know more about Vietnam's trade relationships

Since April 2000, a trade agreement between Vietnam and South Africa has been signed by both countries. Here is the Trade Agreement between Vietnam and South Africa in PDF, so you can consult it and know all the terms of it.

Sea freight shipping between Vietnam and South Africa

What is the best way to ship your goods from Vietnam to South Africa 

When you want to ship your products from one continent to another, you have two options: air freight and sea freight. In this first part, we will present you both in detail, so you can make a well-considered choice, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Overview - sea freight between Vietnam and South Africa

The 25th largest country in the world by land area is South Africa, which is also the southernmost country on the African continent. It ranks as the world's 24th most populous country, with a population of just under 53 million. The nation is regarded as a middling power in international affairs and has a large regional influence. Moreover, ocean freight is the cheapest way to ship goods overseas. The main ports of its country permit the shipping of goods overseas to several places in the country.

The main seaports in South Africa

Port of Durban 

This 21-kilometer-long facility, the fourth-largest port in the Southern Hemisphere, has 58 berths and is used by more than 20 terminal operators. More than 30 million tons of cargo pass through the port annually thanks to an advanced tracking system.

The largest port on the African continent is the Port of Durban. It is open every day of the year, 365 days a year. It has a privileged position as South Africa's top port for freight and containers thanks to its advantageous placement on major international shipping routes. 4,500 commercial vessels berth there each year and more than 30 million metric tons of freight transit through the port annually.

Port Elizabeth 

Ever since the first British immigrants started coming to South Africa in 1820, Port Elizabeth has been a significant port and harbor on the country's east coast. It is now a multi-cargo port on the western edge of Algoa Bay, 384 miles southwest of Durban and 423 miles east of Cape Town.

Port of Cape Town  

One of the most picturesque harbors in the world, Cape Town competes with Alexandria to be called the most famous port in Africa. The city is surrounded by the stunning Table Mountain, the rugged Peninsular, and the huge African hinterland beyond the mountain. The port's location on one of the busiest trade routes in the world ensures that it will always be significant from a strategic and economic standpoint.

Port Richards Bay 

The Port of Richard's Bay, which is located on the Zululand coast in the northern province of KwaZulu-Natal, is the port in South Africa that handles the most cargo. The port, which was initially designed to handle coal exports, has evolved into South Africa's top bulk port, processing not just coal but also other dry bulk, liquid bulk, and break bulk commodities. It is also the most advanced port in South Africa.

Shipping companies operating between Vietnam and South Africa

FNM Remark: If it’s your first import/export between Vietnam and South Africa, it could be more prudent to call us because we have the expertise and an international network. Between Vietnam and South Africa, we can offer you very attractive rates for services with the above shipping companies. This is possible thanks to the quality of our relationship with them, which we have been maintaining for more than ten years. Contact us so that we can help you.

How long does it take to ship containers from Vietnam to South Africa? 

Sea freight time between Vietnam and South Africa can vary from 18 days to 35 days. 

Durban Cape Town Richards Bay
Hai Phong 24 days 32 days  24 days
Da Nang  35 days 34 days 35 days
Saïgon 35 days 30 days 18 days
Vung Tau  18 days 24 days 18 days

FNM alert: We can give you precise information to help you make a choice between the several options. In addition to sourcing and shipping, FNM can also take care of your customs clearance and help you with this complicated step. To get a precise quote, contact us

Should I ship by consolidation or full container from Vietnam to South Africa? 

When shipping your goods by sea, you have two options concerning the packing of your goods: FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load): Here is a clear explanation of these two options to help you make a conscious choice. 

Special sea freight services

Reefer container:

A reefer container, also known as a refrigerated container, is a type of shipping container that is specifically designed for the transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo. It is equipped with built-in refrigeration units to maintain a controlled temperature within the container throughout the shipping journey. This kind of container can be used for shipping from Vietnam to South Africa. 

Roro Container (Roll-on/Roll-off):

A Roro container, short for "Roll-on/Roll-off," is a specialized type of container used for the transportation of wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, trailers, or other self-propelled vehicles. These containers have open ends or sides and feature ramps or platforms that allow vehicles to be driven on and off the container using their own wheels. Roro containers are commonly used in the shipping industry for the efficient and convenient transport of vehicles.

Bulk Container:

A bulk container is a type of container specifically designed for the transportation of bulk commodities or loose cargo, such as grains, coal, ores, liquids, powders, or granular materials. These containers are constructed with special features like reinforced walls, hatches, and discharge systems to facilitate the loading and unloading of bulk cargo in large quantities. Bulk containers help streamline the handling and transportation of loose materials, ensuring efficient and safe delivery.

OOG Container (Out of Gauge):

An OOG container, short for "Out of Gauge," refers to a container that exceeds the standard dimensions or weight limits set for regular shipping containers. OOG containers are used for cargo that is oversized, oversize, over width, or overweight and cannot fit within the standard container specifications. These containers may require special handling, permits, or additional securing methods during transportation to ensure the safety and stability of the cargo. OOG containers provide a solution for transporting irregularly shaped or oversized goods that cannot be accommodated by standard containers.

Tip FNM: Thanks to our expertise and our international network, we are able to take care of all the steps of your expeditions between Vietnam and South Africa. Do not hesitate to contact us to get a free quote within 24 hours. 

How long does it take to ship containers from Vietnam to South Africa? 

Sea freight time between Vietnam and South Africa can vary from 18 days to 35 days

 

Durban Cape Town Richards Bay
Hai Phong 24 days 32 days  24 days
Da Nang  35 days 34 days 35 days
Saïgon 35 days 30 days 18 days
Vung Tau  18 days 24 days 18 days

How much does it cost to ship containers from Vietnam to South Africa? 

Here are the prices to ship a container by sea from Vietnam to South Africa: 

20ft container 40ft container
Price $3,630 $5,508

You must note that these prices are estimations and can vary every hour depending on several criteria, such as the volume of your expedition. To get a free quote, contact us

 

air freight services guide

What are the advantages of air freight?

Departure and arrival times are fairly consistent: Airplane departure and arrival times are fairly accurate, since airlines schedule their routes months in advance. Since flights are generally scheduled every hour, there is no significant delay in transfer if a package "misses" its trip.

The fastest mode of transportation: The airplane is without a doubt the most efficient means of transportation in terms of speed. In today's commercial world, on-time delivery of your goods is crucial.

By paying a small insurance premium, you could save a lot of money: The cost of air freight insurance is quite low. This is due to the fact that this means of transportation is only available for a limited time. Air freight, despite its high cost, saves money on insurance.

Your goods can be delivered to almost any location: Your goods can be delivered to almost any destination on the planet. Most aircraft can serve almost the entire world with their extensive route network.

Storage and warehousing constraints are eased: Air freight is more convenient in terms of storage. Since deliveries can be made in smaller quantities and more often, there is no need for a large warehouse. Goods also undergo fewer customs checks, tests and processing steps, and can be shipped within hours.

Extremely secure, with little risk of theft or physical damage:Entry into terminals is strictly regulated, which greatly reduces the risk of loss or damage to products. As a result, air freight is extremely secure.

Tracking: Courier companies often monitor air freight with a simple app, you can track your delivery from start to finish.

Packaging is less necessary: Air freight requires less packaging in terms of volume. You'll save time and money since you won't have to pay for extra packaging like you would with ocean delivery.

Tip FNM: It is essential to keep in mind that air freight is only a small part of the overall import and export process. The global transfer of goods, especially by air, requires not only legal procedures, but also the calculation of airport and transportation costs from point A to point B. You can count on our DocShipper pros to help you with all these tasks!

Air freight shipping between Vietnam and South Africa

If you decide to ship your goods from Vietnam to South Africa by air, you’ll have two options: classic or express air freight. The main difference between these two ways is the delivery time. In express freight, shipping your goods will take around 4 days, while it will take around 1 week in classic freight. 

How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?

The rule of correspondence in case of air freight express is the following: 1 ton for 5 m3, i.e. a weight/volume ratio of 1 for 5. For example, 1 m3 is equivalent to 200 kilograms (1:5).
The general rule for conventional air freight is 1 ton per 6 m3, i.e., a weight/volume ratio of 1:6, with gross weight charges for ratios less than or equal to 1:6. In this example, the actual volume is divided by 6 to obtain a volumetric weight that can be used as a reference for pricing. For example, 1 m3 is equivalent to 167 kg (1:6).

How to calculate the gross weight of airfreight shipments calculate weight-airfreight-shipments

 How long is the air freight from Vietnam to South Africa?

In classic air freight, it takes between 1 and 3 days depending on several criteria, such as the specific departure and arrival locations, the chosen airline or freight carrier, and the type of service.

How much does it cost to ship a parcel from Vietnam to South Africa? 

To calculate the shipping price of a parcel, we need further information, such as the volume and nature of your expedition. Feel free to contact us to get a free quote within 24 hours.

How long does it take for a package to be shipped from Vietnam to South Africa?

Depending on your exact location, shipping a package from Vietnam to South Africa, can take around 3 days. Obviously, to get a precise delivery time, do not hesitate to contact us. 

What are the major airports in South Africa?

Johannesburg airport

Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport on the continent of Africa and is situated in the Kempton Park district of Johannesburg, 23 km northwest of the city center and 46 km south of Pretoria city center.

Port of Cape Town  

One of the most picturesque harbors in the world, Cape Town competes with Alexandria to be called the most famous port in Africa. The city is surrounded by the stunning Table Mountain, the rugged Peninsular, and the huge African hinterland beyond the mountain. The port's location on one of the busiest trade routes in the world ensures that it will always be significant from a strategic and economic standpoint.

Port Richards Bay 

The Port of Richard's Bay, which is located on the Zululand coast in the northern province of KwaZulu-Natal, is the port in South Africa that handles the most cargo. The port, which was initially designed to handle coal exports, has evolved into South Africa's top bulk port, processing not just coal but also other dry bulk, liquid bulk, and break bulk commodities. It is also the most advanced port in South Africa.

Door-to-door transport from Vietnam to South Africa

This part is dedicated to the door-to-door transport from Vietnam to South Africa. If you want a more global perspective on door-to-door transport from/to Vietnam, you should read this.  

Overview door to door 

Door-to-door shipping, often known as "all-in" freight, is the one that will give you the most peace of mind. In fact, we'll handle all aspects of your freight's execution, including storage, customs clearance, primary and secondary transit, etc., until we send your purchases to the specified location. We will handle every aspect of your transfer completely, giving you peace of mind and more time to complete other tasks. The comfort this solution offers is widely valued by our consumers.

Why is door-to-door service necessary? 

Door-to-door transportation enables us to guarantee the smoothest possible transition from beginning to conclusion. In fact, our agents in Vietnam and South Africa will work together to eliminate any potential delays and additional costs brought on by misunderstandings between the parties involved with your freight. Additionally, because of our collaborator's expertise with South African and Vietnamese customs, processes like customs clearance will be monitored.

FNM Info: We are able to provide you with a door-to-door expedition to anywhere in South Africa and Vietnam thanks to our international network. To get a free quote, feel free to contact us

FNM Tip : Contact our air freight experts now, for more information and precise prices on the air freight process!

Customs clearance in South Africa from Vietnam 

Customs clearance is one of the most complex and time-consuming parts of exportation, it requests to know the rules, duties, and taxes of every country you import/export in. To learn more about customs clearance in Vietnam, read this article

When exporting goods from Vietnam to South Africa, there are certain procedures and requirements that need to be followed to ensure a smooth customs clearance process. Here's an overview of the customs clearance process for shipping goods from Vietnam to South Africa.

Proper Documentation:

Commercial Invoice: Provide a detailed invoice that includes information such as the description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, and currency.
Packing List: Prepare a packing list that specifies the contents, weight, and dimensions of each package.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: This document serves as proof of shipment and contains information about the carrier, goods, and destination.
Certificate of Origin: Obtain a certificate of origin to confirm the country where the goods were produced.

Import Permits and Licenses:

Certain goods may require import permits or licenses issued by the South African authorities. Check with the relevant South African government agencies to determine if your goods require any special permits or licenses.

Customs Value Assessment:

The customs value of the goods will be assessed based on the transaction value (the price actually paid or payable) or other acceptable methods if the transaction value is not available.

Tariffs and Duties:

South Africa has a tariff schedule that applies different rates to various goods. Determine the applicable tariff rates for your goods to calculate the import duties payable. Check for any preferential trade agreements or exemptions that may reduce the tariff rates.

Customs Declaration:

Submit the necessary customs declaration documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, and other supporting documents, to the South African Customs authorities. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.

Customs Inspection:

The South African Customs authorities may choose to inspect the imported goods for various reasons. Compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations will be assessed during the inspection.

Payment of Import Duties and Taxes:

Once the customs assessment is complete, the importer will be required to pay the applicable import duties, taxes, and any other charges. Payment can be made directly to the customs authorities or through a customs broker.

Release of Goods:

After the import duties and taxes are paid, and all necessary documents and requirements are met, the customs authorities will release the goods for further transportation or delivery to the importer's designated location.

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

To know how much you will have to pay in total, you need to know how much tax and duty will be applied to the items you want to import.

The first step is to determine the "HS code" or tariff category of the items.

The customs value of the items, the origin of the products, and the HS code of the products must be combined to determine the customs procedure.

For imported and exported commodities from ASEAN member nations, Vietnam has adopted the Harmonized Tariff System (HS) (ASEAN). You may now discover what an HS code is, what it stands for, and how it is organized.

The HS code, or harmonized categorization system, is presently used in over 205 countries and covers 97 percent of worldwide commerce. This approach enables the systematic establishment of categories for all countries that utilize it. Each product that is part of international trade items is given a number. As a result, it is feasible to compare trade flows using valuable data such as statistics and offers.

Calculate the applicable tariff with the HS code 

To calculate the duties and taxes, you may consult the South African Tariff Book.

The South African tariff books, commonly referred to as the Tariff Book or Customs Tariff, are official publications that contain a comprehensive list of tariff codes and corresponding import duties and taxes applicable to goods imported into South Africa. These books provide detailed information on the classification and customs treatment of various products.

The South African tariff books are based on the Harmonized System (HS) classification, which is an international standard for categorizing and identifying traded goods. The HS codes are used to determine the specific tariff rates and customs procedures for each product.

The tariff books are maintained and regularly updated by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), specifically the Customs division. They play a crucial role in facilitating international trade by providing clarity on the duties, taxes, and regulations associated with importing goods into South Africa.

Vietnamese Customs

vietnam-customs-icon

Official Name: General Department of Vietnam Customs

Website: Vietnamese Customs

South African Customs

SARS logo

Official name: South African Revenue Service

Website: South African Customs

Docshipper Tip : In case you have any doubts or any questions, do not hesitate to ask our experts for advice.

Documents required

To clear your goods in South Africa, different documents are required : 

The Bill of Lading, or Air Way Bill: the Bill of Lading is a document issued by a carrier, such as a shipping line or freight forwarder, to acknowledge the receipt of goods for shipment by sea. It serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper (consignor) and the carrier, outlining the terms and conditions of the transportation agreement.

The original invoice: In both Vietnam and South Africa, you will need the original invoice to clear your goods at customs. Make sure there is no difference between the original invoice and the packing list!

The packing list: A packing list, also known as a packing slip or shipping list, is a document that provides detailed information about the contents of a shipment. It is typically prepared by the shipper or exporter and included with the goods being sent to the recipient or consignee. The packing list serves as a valuable reference for both the sender and the recipient to ensure accurate and efficient handling of the shipment.

The certificate of origin: The Certificate of Origin is a crucial document for all international imports, just like the Bill of Lading. The manufacturer must sign the paperwork, and it must be given by a government body in South Africa or Vietnam, where your supplier is headquartered.

DocShipper Advice : More than 10 years of expertise on the Asian continent, allows us to offer tailor-made freight solutions at more than competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our dedicated specialists for more information on your transfer, we are always happy to serve and disseminate our knowledge, we respond within 24 hours!

sourcing services negotiation

Supplier management in Vietnam

In addition to the services we offer, we contact your suppliers in advance to obtain additional information about your goods. We also check the availability of each certificate of conformity to ensure that your product is allowed in the country where it will be imported, and we perform quality control of your items, including examining the condition, quality and packaging of the goods. Finally, we check the dimensions and HS code of the items.

Please see our sourcing services page for more details.

service-emballage

Packaging and repackaging

The packing and preparation stage should not be overlooked if you want to ensure that your product remains stable during transport and has the best protection during storage. Please contact one of our DocShipper representatives. All our partners bring their knowledge to produce high quality packaging services, both on the French and Viet side. Pallets, cartons, boxes, tape, bubble wrap and other materials are available for your business.

Please see our dedicated packaging services page for more details.

service-de-stockage-icon

Storage and warehousing

DocShipper's warehouses are strategically located to receive your items for as long as necessary before exporting to France or other desirable destinations. In addition, we can suggest a container optimization approach, such as pooling your items with other suppliers or filling a full container; or if you have a full container but wish to split it at the destination port and distribute it to other locations.

Please see our warehousing services page for more details.

services-de-demenagement

Shipping personal effects

DocShipper can help you with all of this, whether you are planning an expatriation, returning from one, or just need to get rid of excess luggage! We provide professional packing, wrapping, customs clearance and secure shipping services. This service is available worldwide.

Please visit our relocation services page for more information.

assurance-transport-1

Transport insurance

The premium rate multiplied by the amount declared is a common formula.

The cost of insurance varies depending on the mode of transportation, the type of goods and the insurance coverage. You can cover more items and damages by increasing the declared value up to 20%.

Please read our insurance services page for more details.

 

DocShipper | Your dedicated freight forwarder in Vietnam !

 

Due to our attractive pricing, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop overpaying the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of shipment, from small volume to full container, let us find the best and cost-effective solution.

Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!