Retail and FMCG
Stock for wholesalers, retailers and distributors in both countries.
What we move to and from Lesotho and Eswatini
Lesotho and Eswatini are part of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) with South Africa, so most goods move without import duty. Customs declarations and VAT still apply, and paperwork mistakes still stop trucks at the border.
Building and construction
Cement, steel, roofing and project materials.
Textile and manufacturing inputs
Fabric, trims and raw materials for factories, and finished goods southbound.
Imports through South African ports
Overseas containers landed in Durban and moved in bond to Lesotho or Eswatini.
Routes, border posts and transit times
| Route | Main border post | Indicative transit |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng – Maseru | Maseru Bridge / Ficksburg | 1–2 days |
| Gauteng – Mbabane / Manzini | Oshoek / Ngwenya | 1–2 days |
| Durban – Eswatini | Golela / Lavumisa or Oshoek | 1–2 days |
Transit times are indicative door to door for full loads and depend on border queues, documents being ready and the receiver's clearing agent. Peak periods add time.
Documents and customs at the border
Because of SACU there is generally no customs duty between South Africa and these countries, but an export declaration in South Africa and an import declaration with VAT at destination are still required.
Export entry
We lodge the South African export declaration so the seller can zero-rate VAT where the rules allow.
Import VAT
The importer pays VAT to the Lesotho Revenue Services or the Eswatini Revenue Service on arrival.
Overseas cargo in bond
Goods imported from outside SACU and moved through South Africa travel under bond to be cleared at destination.
How a cross-border load runs
- Quote and planning. Send the commodity, weight, dimensions, collection and delivery points. We quote full load (FTL) or part load and confirm the documents needed.
- Export clearance in South Africa. As a SARS-licensed clearing agent we lodge the export entry and prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and any certificate of origin.
- Loading and tracking. The truck is loaded, sealed where required and tracked to the border.
- Border and import clearance. We coordinate with the clearing agent at destination so the import entry is ready when the truck arrives, cutting border time.
- Delivery and proof. Delivery to the consignee with signed proof of delivery returned to you.
Lesotho and Eswatini road freight FAQs
Is there import duty between South Africa and Lesotho or Eswatini?
Generally no, because all three are SACU members. VAT and customs declarations still apply.
How long does delivery to Maseru take?
Usually 1 to 2 days from Gauteng depending on the border and paperwork.
Can you move containers from Durban to Eswatini in bond?
Yes. We arrange bonded transport from Durban so the cargo is cleared in Eswatini.
Do you handle small part loads?
Yes, we can arrange part loads and groupage for smaller consignments.