Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about customs clearing, bonded warehousing and specialist cargo from the BAC Logistics team at O.R. Tambo.
No. BAC Logistics does not have cold-room or refrigerated storage.
28 San Croy Office Park, 25 Die Agora Road, Croydon, Kempton Park, a few minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport. We are open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. WhatsApp us on +27 74 353 1111.
No. We clear air, sea and road freight. Besides O.R. Tambo and other airports, our team coordinates clearance and releases at the ports of Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha, and at border posts including Beitbridge, Lebombo and Skilpadshek.
It depends on the goods, the documents and whether SARS selects the shipment for inspection. The fastest route is pre-clearance: we submit the documents and settle duty and VAT before the cargo lands, so it can be released on arrival. As a Level 2 AEO-accredited customs broker we also benefit from fewer inspections and faster turnaround.
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill or bill of lading, and the correct tariff (HS) classification. Depending on the goods you may also need a certificate of origin, import permits or licences (for example from SAPS or the NRCS), and dangerous-goods declarations. Send us what you have early; even partial documents let us start.
Customs must first release the goods for the bonded entry. Until that release is issued, the goods cannot come into the bonded warehouse and remain with the airline, where storage charges build up. Once in bond, goods stay under customs control until duty and VAT are paid and Customs releases them for removal.
Yes, in line with IATA regulations, including chemicals and lubricants, mining-related cargo, medical and pharmaceutical dangerous goods, and lithium batteries. Explosives are subject to licensing and SAPS approval.
Yes. High-value consignments are a specialty for businesses and private individuals: confidential handling, pre-clearance with duty and VAT calculated early, SAPS and SARS permit alignment, secure release into bonded or private storage, and tracked, sensor-monitored transport.
Yes. We pre-clear aircraft spares and engines so they can move from the airport to the hangar without delay, using manufacturer-approved engine crates, air-ride suspension vehicles and shock and tilt monitoring.
Yes, through our sister company BAC Transport (bactrans.co.za): local, national and SADC cross-border haulage, including road-bond movement of uncleared goods.
Question not here? WhatsApp +27 74 353 1111 or email info@baclogistics.co.za, Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00.