Removals to South Africa from the UK
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Shipping a household to South Africa means a container to Durban, Cape Town or Gqeberha and a SARS declaration on form DA 304. Here is what the move costs, how customs works for new arrivals and returning South Africans, and what you can't pack.
Last updated: October 2026 · 3 min read
Written and fact-checked by the Removly editorial team · How we research prices
How much do removals to South Africa cost?
Published "from" prices for a 20ft container to Cape Town start at about £3,360, door to door. The two main published price lists disagree a lot, though, so here they are side by side rather than blended into a range that neither firm actually quotes.
| Published by | 20ft container, from | 40ft container, from |
|---|---|---|
| PSS Removals (Oct 2026) | £4,459 | £6,415 |
| ShipIt (2026) | £3,360 | £7,260 |
Door to door to Cape Town; duty and VAT on goods that don't qualify are extra.
Durban and Johannesburg price differently again. A survey of your volume gives a fixed figure; our international removal costs page compares other routes.
How does South African customs treat household goods?
Household goods on a permanent change of residence are declared on SARS form DA 304, with a full inventory. The goods must belong to you and your family, have been owned before you moved, and not be intended for sale. Sell them within six months of entry and duty becomes payable.
Some things fall outside the rebate: alcohol, tobacco and vehicles. A car has its own form, DA 304A. Customs officers may inspect shipments and can hold goods until any duty is settled.
Source: South African Revenue Service (form DA 304) (2026)
Moving back to South Africa from the UK
Returning South Africans qualify after at least six months abroad for reasons other than touring, living in unfurnished or semi-furnished accommodation. Bring your passport, a signed DA 304 and an inventory.
Time the shipment to land after you. Goods that arrive first can sit in storage, with fees, until you are there to clear them.
Source: South African Department of International Relations (DIRCO) (2026)
What can't you ship to South Africa without a permit?
- Firearms need a SAPS 520 import permit.
- Meat, plants, animal products and honey need agricultural import permits and must be declared.
- Alcohol and tobacco sit outside the household-goods rebate.
Ask your mover for its restricted-items list before packing, and keep anything doubtful out of the container.
Which ports and routes are used?
Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha are the main container ports. Johannesburg and Pretoria are served by road, usually from Durban. Transit depends heavily on the port and on whether you share a container, so ask each firm for its own door-to-door estimate.
Our international removals page covers choosing a mover, and export packing protects what travels.
Removals to South Africa: FAQs
How much does it cost to move to South Africa from the UK?
Published "from" prices for a 20ft container to Cape Town start at about £3,360, but the two main published price lists disagree widely, especially for larger loads. Port, container size and door-to-door delivery all move the price, so a survey is the only reliable figure.
Do I pay duty on household goods in South Africa?
Not if they qualify. Household effects on a permanent change of residence are declared on SARS form DA 304. The goods must be your own, owned before you moved and not for sale — sell them within six months and duty becomes payable.
Can returning South Africans bring household goods back duty-free?
Yes, after at least six months abroad for reasons other than touring, living in unfurnished or semi-furnished accommodation. You need your passport, a signed DA 304 and an inventory.
Should my goods arrive before or after me?
After, ideally. South African guidance says household goods should preferably arrive after the returning resident; arriving first can mean storage fees while you wait to clear them.
Which ports do removals to South Africa use?
Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) are the main container ports. Johannesburg and Pretoria are reached by road, usually from Durban.