MetEx House, 496a Great West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW5 0TE  ·  Shipping since 1998
0800 096 38 39
HomeMoving AbroadMoving to South Africa
🇿🇦 Moving to South Africa • Luggage Shipping • Est. 1998

Moving to South Africa
Shipping Your Belongings from the UK

Moving to South Africa from the UK. Air freight in 6–10 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers. SARS (South African Revenue Service). Clear quote before collection. 28 years experience.

📍 Part of our complete Shipping to South Africa hub — customs, the DA304 form, costs & every service ›
How it works

Shipping personal effects to South Africa when you move

If you’re moving to South Africa, we can ship your luggage, suitcases, boxes and personal effects door-to-door (subject to your destination) from the UK. We handle your UK customs export entry that a relocation involves and deliver your belongings to South Africa — whether it’s a single suitcase, boxes of household items, or a full move.

Moving to South Africa from the UK means deciding what travels with you and what ships ahead. For most people — professionals, returning diaspora, retirees — luggage shipping handles the personal effects while furniture follows by sea or stays behind. Here is the process.

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Door collection across the UK. Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00.
Air freight to South Africa. Johannesburg JNB or Cape Town CPT. Transit: 6–10 working days from UK collection.
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Customs: SARS (South African Revenue Service). SARS Returning Resident Rebate: SA citizens and residents returning after 12+ months abroad can import personal effects duty-free. Items must be owned and used for 12+ months, not new goods. Declaration forms required at OR Tambo or Cape Town customs.
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Sender must equal receiver. The fundamental personal effects rule worldwide. Any name mismatch reclassifies the shipment as a commercial import — full duties apply.
Restrictions

What to know before you pack for South Africa

Standard restrictions. SARS is thorough. Declare all electronics. No lithium batteries, aerosols, perfumes. Batteries can be packed and exported as declared dangerous goods — ask us. Always call us on 0800 096 38 39 before packing if you are unsure about any item — a 5-minute call prevents a customs hold at the destination.

ItemShip?Notes
Clothes, shoes, personal items✓ YesUp to 30kg per bag
Laptop / tablet (battery removed)✓ YesRemove lithium battery — carry in cabin
Books, kitchenware, household goods✓ YesWeigh before booking — dense items add up fast
Furniture, appliances✗ NoUse our sea freight service to South Africa
Lithium batteries, aerosols, perfumes✗ NoProhibited in air freight — no exceptions
28 years experience

Why customers moving to South Africa choose Excess Luggage Co.

South Africa is a major route for the large UK-South African community and returning expats. We have been shipping personal effects from the UK since 1998 — operating 2 miles from Heathrow cargo terminals. Community discussions and expat networks consistently cite our confirmed pricing and customs documentation support.

25+
Years
2mi
From Heathrow
FAQs

Moving to South Africa — your questions answered

What is the SARS Returning Resident Rebate?
SARS grants duty and VAT exemption for South African citizens and permanent residents returning after 12+ months abroad. Items must be owned and used for 12+ months — not new goods. Valid SA passport or PR, itemised packing list, and statutory declaration required at OR Tambo or Cape Town customs.
Can I ship to Cape Town rather than Johannesburg?+
Yes — we ship to both OR Tambo (JNB) and Cape Town International (CPT). Cape Town is our second most common SA destination. Call 0800 096 38 39 for current routing and transit times.
What is the maximum weight per bag?+
30kg per item. This is one of the advantages over airlines — many airlines cap at 23kg and charge heavily for overweight bags. Our 30kg standard means most bags travel without overweight surcharges.
How far in advance should I book?+
Minimum 10 working days for South Africa. We recommend 14 working days to allow for customs clearance. Book early — our collection slots fill up, particularly during peak periods (September, December, Ramadan). See our booking lead times guide.
What happens if customs holds my shipment?+
Contact us immediately on 0800 096 38 39 with your Air Waybill reference. A hold is almost always a documentation issue. We advise on the exact documentation needed for South Africa customs and the fastest resolution route. See our customs holds guide.
Is there a limit on how many bags I can ship?+
No bag limit. The same quoted rate per bag regardless of quantity. This is a significant advantage over airlines which may refuse extra bags at busy periods.

Ready to ship to South Africa?

Clear quote before we collect. No guesswork. Established 1998.

📋 Get a Quote📞 0800 096 38 39💬 WhatsApp
📋 Official Customs Authority — South Africa

For official customs requirements, import duties and restricted items guidance, visit the SARS South Africa — the official customs authority for South Africa. Always verify current requirements before shipping.

UK Collection

We collect from your door anywhere in the UK

Door collection Monday to Friday from any UK address. Select your nearest city for local collection times and details:

LondonManchesterBirminghamLeedsGlasgowEdinburghLiverpoolBristolSheffieldNewcastleNottinghamLeicesterBradfordCardiffCoventrySouthamptonPortsmouthOxfordCambridgeReading/SloughBrightonLutonMilton KeynesDerbyStokeWolverhamptonSwanseaAberdeenDundeeMiddlesbroughExeterPlymouthYorkBelfastHounslowHeathrow

✍ Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00

Moving to South Africa • Excess Luggage Co. • Est. 1998
Get a Quote 📞 0800 096 38 39
💬 WhatsApp