🇿🇦 South Africa · ZAR
Everything you need to ship your products safely and efficiently — packaging, carriers, cross-border documentation, AfCFTA eligibility, and labeling requirements.
Proper packaging prevents damage, reduces disputes, and keeps your seller rating high. Damaged-in-transit claims are the seller's responsibility if packaging is inadequate.
Wrap items individually with bubble wrap, foam, or tissue paper. Fragile items need at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides.
Use new or sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes. The box should be appropriately sized — no more than 2 inches of space around the product after padding.
Seal all boxes with strong packing tape on all seams. Reinforce corners and edges for heavy or fragile items. Use 'Fragile' stickers where applicable.
For cross-border shipments, enclose items in a plastic bag or wrap to protect against humidity and rain during transit. Essential for textiles and leather.
For multi-item orders, place heavier items at the bottom. Fill all empty spaces with packing material to prevent shifting during transport.
| Carrier | Domestic | Cross-Border | Speed | Tracking | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | $5–15 | $20–60 | 1–3 days domestic, 3–7 cross-border | Full | Included up to $100 |
| Aramex | $4–12 | $15–45 | 2–5 days domestic, 5–10 cross-border | Full | Optional add-on |
| FedEx | $6–18 | $25–70 | 1–3 days domestic, 3–7 cross-border | Full | Included up to $100 |
| Speedaf | $3–8 | $10–30 | 3–7 days domestic, 7–14 cross-border | Basic | Optional add-on |
| GIG Logistics | $2–6 | N/A (Nigeria only) | 1–4 days | Full | Optional |
| Sendy | $2–5 | $12–35 (East Africa) | 1–3 days domestic, 3–7 regional | Full | Optional |
* Rates are estimates based on a 1kg parcel. Actual rates vary by weight, dimensions, and destination.
Shipping across African borders requires proper documentation. Missing paperwork is the #1 cause of customs delays. Prepare these documents before dropping off your shipment.
Required for all international shipments. Must include: sender/receiver details, product description, quantity, value (in USD), HS code, and country of origin. Plentovo auto-generates this from your listing data.
Every product needs a correct HS code for customs classification. Plentovo suggests HS codes based on your product category, but verify accuracy. Incorrect HS codes can cause delays or additional duties.
Proves where the product was manufactured or substantially transformed. Required for AfCFTA preferential tariff treatment. Obtain from your local chamber of commerce or trade authority.
Required for plant-based products (teas, spices, seeds, wood items). Issued by your country's agricultural authority. Must be obtained before shipping.
Gemstones need gemological certificates. Food products need safety certifications. Electronics need compliance marks (CE, FCC). Include copies with the shipment.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers preferential tariff treatment for qualifying goods. To benefit from reduced or zero duties:
Pro Tip: Products with AfCFTA badges in their listings get 23% more buyer clicks on average. Apply for your Certificate of Origin today.
Every package must have a clear, legible label with the following information:
Important: Always include the Plentovo Order ID on the outer label. This helps our support team trace packages in case of delivery issues or disputes.
