ITAC & Cross-Border Trade — guide
Do I need an ITAC permit to import or export my goods?
Certain goods, including used or second-hand items, scrap metal, and products on ITAC's controlled lists, need an import or export permit from the International Trade Administration Commission before the goods move. Permits are applied for before shipment, and you also need a valid customs client code and correct HS classification for clearance.
The legal framework
The International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002 (ITA Act) established the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC), which administers import and export control measures, including permits, rebates and trade remedies such as anti-dumping and safeguard duties.
Not all goods need a permit. ITAC maintains schedules of controlled goods requiring import or export permits, and the customs authority will not clear a shipment against a required permit that has not been obtained beforehand. Confirming whether your specific tariff heading is controlled is the first step in any cross-border transaction.
Used and second-hand goods
Importing used, second-hand, refurbished or reconditioned goods generally requires an import permit under the ITAC used goods policy, applied for using the IE230 permit application form and category. This covers a wide range of goods, from used vehicles and machinery to secondhand clothing and electronics, and the policy is applied strictly.
Applications for used goods permits require motivation for the import, often including justification on grounds such as unavailability of new equivalents, and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Goods imported without the required permit are liable to detention by the customs authority and possible forfeiture.
Scrap metal export policy
Ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal exports are controlled under ITAC's scrap metal export policy, which requires exporters to first offer scrap metal to registered local consumers through the price preference system before an export permit will be considered, except for scrap types exempted from this requirement.
The policy is designed to protect the local metal recycling and manufacturing industry, and exporters must retain evidence of the local offer process as part of the permit application. Non-compliant scrap metal exports are a frequent target of customs enforcement action.
Rebates and duty relief
Beyond permits, ITAC administers industry-specific rebate provisions under Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 of the customs tariff, which allow qualifying manufacturers to import inputs at a reduced or nil rate of duty for use in local production. Rebate applications require detailed information on the manufacturing process and are typically sector-specific, such as motor industry or clothing and textile rebate schemes.
Separately, ITAC investigates and recommends anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard duties where local industry demonstrates injury from unfairly priced or subsidised imports, and importers of affected products should monitor active investigations that could affect landed costs.
Customs client code and HS classification
Every importer and exporter must be registered with the customs authority and hold a valid customs client code before goods can be cleared, separate from any ITAC permit requirement. Registration requires company documents, proof of address, and banking details, and must be kept current as business details change.
Correct classification of goods under the Harmonised System (HS) determines both the rate of duty payable and whether a good falls within an ITAC controlled category. Misclassification is a common cause of both permit non-compliance and customs disputes, and an HS classification opinion obtained before shipment is far cheaper than a dispute after the goods arrive.
Thresholds and indicative fees
| Requirement | Who needs it | Applied for | Typical timeline | Governing framework |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Import permit (controlled goods) | Importers of listed controlled goods | Before shipment | 2 – 6 weeks | ITA Act 71 of 2002, ITAC permit schedules |
| Used goods permit (IE230) | Importers of used or second-hand goods | Before shipment, with motivation | 4 – 8 weeks | ITAC used goods policy |
| Scrap metal export permit | Scrap metal exporters | After local offer process completed | 4 – 10 weeks | ITAC scrap metal export policy |
| Rebate provision registration | Manufacturers using duty rebate inputs | Before importing rebate items | 6 – 12 weeks initial approval | Schedule 3 / 4, customs tariff |
| Customs client code | All importers and exporters | Before any customs clearance | 1 – 3 weeks | Customs registration requirements |
How the process runs
- 1Classify the goodsConfirm the correct HS tariff heading and check whether it appears on an ITAC controlled goods schedule.
- 2Register your customs client codeEnsure the importer or exporter is registered with the customs authority with current company and banking details.
- 3Determine the permit routeIdentify whether a standard import permit, a used goods IE230 permit, or a scrap metal export permit applies.
- 4Prepare the ITAC applicationCompile the motivation, technical specifications and supporting documents ITAC requires for the specific permit category.
- 5Complete any local offer processFor scrap metal, complete the price preference system local offer before applying for an export permit.
- 6Lodge and track the applicationSubmit through the ITAC online system and follow up on queries to avoid avoidable delay.
- 7Clear the goods correctlyPresent the issued permit, customs client code and correct classification at clearance to avoid detention.
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Last reviewed: 2026-09-17
Written and reviewed by Dynamic Legal Services (Pty) Ltd, registration 2016/074955/07. Registered with the Department of Water and Sanitation, EAPASA applicant. Offices in Faerie Glen, Pretoria and Sandown, Sandton. Telephone 087 153 6207, support@dlegal.co.za. General information on South African regulatory practice, not advice on a specific matter — the first consultation is free.