Sending a package or excess luggage between SA and DE

We understand how important it is to have a reliable courier service that you can trust to deliver your packages on time, securely and with care. That’s why we’ve asked our Facebook community, to share their experiences and recommendations on the best courier companies that can send small packages or documents between South Africa and Germany.
We also compiled a list of companies that can assist you with shipping your excess luggage or bigger packages.

Customs (Zoll)

When sending a package to South Africa, SARS might demand Customs or Excise duties on the items. You can find detailed information on the SARS website. The same goes for Germany and the Zoll amt.
In the Customs (Zoll) documents, It is important that you list all the items in your package, including what they are worth and their country of origin. It is advisable to have the Customs forms filled out in triplicate and add them all to the envelope on your package

What can I bring into South Africa

When travelling to South Africa, it’s natural to want to bring back some German treats. While most items are permitted, it’s important to be aware

What can I bring into Germany

It is very tempting to bring some South African goodies with you when you travel to Germany, and while most items are allowed, there are Restrictions.

Sending a package from Germany to South Africa

My personal experience is that DHL express shipping is more expensive but it is the most reliable way of sending documents or packages to South Africa. Make sure you get a tracking number.
DHL has standard and express Shipping.
Please be aware that SARS might demand Custom or Excise duties on the items. See more on the SARS website

Sending a package from South Africa to Germany

DHL
Postex. They also offer other documentation services like Police clearance certificates
Postnet Global express with Aramex, they also offer a DHL option
UPS South Africa
Internetexpress
FedEx
Dawnwing International

Excess Luggage, sports equipment or larger packages

The easiest is to contact your airline and ask them about excess luggage. Do not wait until you are at the airport, it could cost much more. Most airlines have a weight limit for excess luggage. If your package or luggage exceeds this limit it can be sent via air freight. Contact the airline for more information. Here is information about the excess luggage from Lufthansa.

The following companies can assist with excess luggage and larger packages:

Send my Bag
DHL has a luggage option
Mybaggage
Seven Seas Move Cube – a good option when your shipment is not big enough for a container and you are sending only a few items.

Comparative websites

Looking to compare prices of shipping and postal services? Look no further than the options available with Jumingo and Packlink.com!
These platforms offer easy-to-use comparison tools, allowing you to quickly and easily see how different shipping options stack up against each other in terms of pricing, delivery times, and more.

Competitive Rates for South Africans

Richard Wheeler is promising competitive rates to South Africans who would like to send parcels via air or larger items via sea.

You can contact him on:

+27 67 888 7138
richard@shipmystuff.co.za
Instagram
Website

Is someone flying soon and can take a package for me ...

We know sending a package to and from South Africa can be expensive and it is very tempting to ask if someone will be flying between SA and DE soon, who can take along a package for you. If you decide to take a package or documents along for someone else, make sure it is someone you know and can trust and then still follow the suggested precautions mentioned below. You do not want to be used to for example smuggle drugs or prohibited items that are hidden in a package

When you accept the responsibility to pack items in your luggage on behalf of someone else, it is important to take certain precautions.

Make sure you know what is inside the package.
During the check-in process, you will be asked about your luggage. Examples are “Did you pack your luggage yourself or did somebody help you? Did you, at any point, leave your baggage unattended? Did anybody ask you to carry anything for them?”. Answer these questions truthfully.
You will be legally responsible for the content of the package. Make sure there are no prohibited or illegal items in the package. Contact your airline for a list of prohibited and dangerous goods. Here is information from Lufthansa as an example
Make sure you know the customs regulations for the countries you are travelling from and to, and also when in transit. Look at the SARS website for South Africa, and for Germany the Zoll website.
You will be responsible for paying any customs and duty fees