UK ⇄ ZA · FCL · 25–35 days
Shipping a container to South Africa from the UK.
We move full containers from the UK to Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), commercial goods, machinery, equipment and personal effects. Export paperwork handled from the UK; South African import clearance arranged through our trusted in-country partners.
Who ships this route
What we carry to South Africa
The UK–South Africa lane is one of the more established African routes for UK exporters. Businesses shipping manufactured goods, industrial equipment, retail products and agricultural supplies form a large part of the trade flow. Alongside commercial cargo, the lane sees a steady volume of individuals and families relocating between the UK and South Africa and sending full containers of household effects.
We ship full containers only, a 20ft or 40ft FCL to yourself, into Durban (South Africa's busiest container port), Cape Town or Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). The right port depends on your final delivery address; we'll advise when we quote and build the price accordingly.
Full container load · 20ft · 40ft
Container options for South Africa
Your own box
A 20ft or 40ft container to yourself. Best for larger loads, machinery or when you want the security and simplicity of sole use. You pay for the whole container regardless of how full it is, so FCL works best when you're shipping enough to fill most of it.
One file, both ends
We arrange UK collection, export documentation, the ocean sailing and South African import customs through our trusted partners. One accountable operator from your UK door to the South African delivery address, whether that's Durban, Cape Town or inland.
Relocating to South Africa or sending household goods? We ship full-container household moves door to door and can advise on packing, inventory requirements and the rebate of duties on used personal effects under South African customs rules.
Felixstowe / Southampton → Durban / Cape Town / Port Elizabeth
Ports and transit
UK ports: Felixstowe and Southampton, with collection arranged from anywhere in the UK.
South African ports: Durban is the primary container port, handling the majority of South Africa's imports and serving Johannesburg and Gauteng inland. Cape Town serves the Western Cape. Port Elizabeth (officially Gqeberha) serves the Eastern Cape region. We'll confirm the right port for your final delivery address when we quote.
TRANSIT · TYPICALLY 25–35 DAYS PORT TO PORT
Export declarations · Import clearance
Customs for South Africa
Shipping to South Africa involves a UK export declaration on departure and full South African import customs administered by SARS (South African Revenue Service) at the destination port. Import duty and VAT are assessed on the customs value of the goods, and documentation requirements include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and import declaration.
We handle UK export clearance and work with trusted South African customs brokers for the import side. All documentation is prepared before the cargo ships, not assembled under pressure at the port, so your container clears smoothly and reaches its destination on time. How our customs clearance works.
There's one file covering the whole move, so nothing drops between a UK broker and a South African one.
Straight answers
UK–South Africa shipping questions
How long does sea freight from the UK to South Africa take?
Typically 25–35 days port to port from Felixstowe or Southampton to Durban, Cape Town or Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Add time each side for collection, export clearance and final delivery. We'll confirm exact timings with your quote.
Should I ship a 20ft or 40ft container to South Africa?
A 20ft container holds about 28 CBM and suits smaller commercial loads; a 40ft holds about 58 CBM for larger volumes or a full household move. Tell us your cargo's weight and dimensions and we'll advise the right full container size and give you an all-in FCL quote.
Do you handle South African import customs?
Yes. UK export clearance and South African import clearance (customs duty and VAT administered by SARS) are arranged through our trusted partners at the South African end. We prepare the UK-side documentation before the cargo ships so it moves smoothly through Durban, Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.
24h turnaround · No obligation
Shipping to South Africa?
Tell us what you're sending, the UK origin and your South African destination, whether that's Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth or an inland address. We'll come back with a tailored FCL quote within 24 hours on working days.
Already hold a quote from another forwarder? Send us this route and we’ll give you ours to compare.
Related: Africa shipping routes · Shipping to Kenya · Container shipping from the UK · Customs clearance