Ocean FCL
Full 20ft and 40ft containers from Genoa, La Spezia and Naples, best value once you fill more than roughly half a container.
How Italy to South Africa freight works
Italian exports to South Africa range from packaging and food-processing machinery to tiles, furniture, pasta and olive oil. Northern suppliers usually ship through Genoa or La Spezia; southern suppliers through Naples.
Ocean LCL
Groupage for part loads, priced per cubic metre or ton. Ideal for machinery parts, spares and regular smaller orders.
Air freight
Fast lanes from Milan Malpensa and Rome into OR Tambo (JNB) and Cape Town for urgent, high-value or time-critical cargo.
Supplier collection
We collect from the factory (EXW/FCA) or take over at the port (FOB), so you can buy on the term that suits your supplier.
Indicative transit times from Italy
| Origin | Mode | Indicative transit to South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa / La Spezia | Ocean FCL | 25–35 days to Durban or Cape Town |
| Italian ports | Ocean LCL | 30–45 days |
| Milan Malpensa / Rome | Air freight | 2–6 days to JNB or Cape Town |
Times are indicative port-to-port or airport-to-airport and vary with carrier, routing, transhipment and season. We confirm the current schedule with every quote.
Cut your duty with EU–SADC EPA origin
Most goods made in the EU qualify for reduced or zero South African import duty under the SADC–EU Economic Partnership Agreement, but only if the origin paperwork is right before the goods land.
EUR.1 or origin declaration
Your Italian supplier issues an EUR.1 movement certificate, or an origin declaration on the invoice where they are an approved exporter or the shipment qualifies. No proof, no preference.
Classification first
We check the HS tariff code against the SACU tariff before you buy, so you know the full-rate and preferential duty in advance.
Common mistake
Goods shipped from the EU but made elsewhere do not qualify. We check origin rules on mixed or re-exported consignments.
How we run a Italy import
- Quote and planning. Send the supplier invoice or pro forma, packing details and Incoterm. We return a landed-cost quote, not just a freight rate.
- Booking and collection. We book space and collect from your supplier or receive at the Italian port or airport.
- Documents. Bill of lading or air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list and EPA origin proof are checked before departure.
- SARS clearance. As a SARS-licensed clearing agent we lodge the customs entry ourselves, calculate duty and VAT and manage any inspection.
- Delivery. Release from the port or airport and delivery to your door anywhere in South Africa or onward into SADC.
Italy to South Africa import FAQs
Can you quote DDP from Italy to my door?
Yes. We can quote a landed price including freight, clearance, duty, VAT and delivery so you know your total cost up front.
Do Italian foods need special permits?
Many foodstuffs need import permits or inspections from the Department of Agriculture or Port Health, and labelling must meet South African rules. Tell us the product and we will confirm the requirements before you buy.
Do Italian goods qualify for lower duty?
Most goods made in Italy qualify for EU–SADC EPA preference when the supplier supplies valid origin proof.
Can you ship to Cape Town directly?
Yes. Many Italian services call Cape Town, which suits Western Cape importers, and we clear and deliver from there.