Customs & Import Duties

Customs & Import Duties

When ordering from South African Pharmacy (SA Pharmacy), your order is shipped internationally from South Africa. As with all cross-border shipments, customs procedures and import regulations apply in the destination country.

This page explains how customs and import duties work, what you may be required to pay, and what responsibilities apply to international customers.

Understanding Customs Clearance

When your parcel arrives in your country, it will be processed by local customs authorities. Customs may:

  • Inspect the contents of the parcel

  • Verify documentation and declared value

  • Assess duties, taxes, or clearance fees

  • Delay, return, or reject the shipment based on local regulations

Customs decisions are made solely by the destination country’s authorities and are outside the control of SA Pharmacy.

Import Duties, Taxes & Fees

Depending on your country’s regulations, your shipment may be subject to:

  • Import duties

  • Value-Added Tax (VAT) or sales tax

  • Customs clearance or handling fees

These charges:

  • Are set by your local government

  • Are not included in your SA Pharmacy order total

  • Are payable by the customer, not SA Pharmacy

Failure to pay applicable charges may result in delays or return of the shipment.

Medicine Import Regulations Vary by Country

Please note:

  • A product that is over-the-counter (OTC) in South Africa may be regulated differently in your country

  • Some countries restrict or prohibit the import of medicines, supplements, or health products

  • Quantity limits, prescriptions, or permits may be required in certain jurisdictions

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure compliance with local import laws before placing an order.

SA Pharmacy’s Role in Customs Declarations

SA Pharmacy:

  • Accurately declares shipments in accordance with shipping and customs requirements

  • Does not falsify product descriptions or values

  • Does not mark parcels as “gifts” or misrepresent contents

We comply with international shipping standards to protect both customers and our business.

Customs Delays & Holds

Customs processing times vary widely and may be affected by:

  • Local regulations

  • Volume of incoming shipments

  • Public holidays

  • Additional inspections or documentation requests

SA Pharmacy cannot expedite customs clearance, but we will assist with information where possible if contacted.

If a Shipment Is Held, Returned, or Rejected

In some cases, customs authorities may:

  • Request additional documentation

  • Hold the shipment for inspection

  • Return the parcel to South Africa

  • Confiscate or destroy the contents

Please understand:

  • These actions are beyond SA Pharmacy’s control

  • Refunds or reshipments may not be possible in such cases

  • Shipping fees and product costs may be non-refundable

This risk is inherent in international medicine importation.

Your Responsibilities as an International Customer

By placing an order with SA Pharmacy, you acknowledge that:

  • You understand your country’s import regulations

  • You accept responsibility for customs duties, taxes, and fees

  • You accept the risk of customs-related delays or rejection

  • You are ordering for personal use unless otherwise permitted by law

Transparency protects both parties.

We Recommend Before Ordering

To reduce risk, we recommend that customers:

  • Check local import laws for medicines and health products

  • Confirm quantity limits for personal use

  • Contact us if unsure about product eligibility for your country

We are happy to guide you before you place an order.

Our Commitment to Transparency

SA Pharmacy is committed to:

  • Honest communication about customs risks

  • Accurate shipment declarations

  • Responsible international trade practices

We do not promise guaranteed customs clearance, because such guarantees are neither realistic nor ethical.

South African Pharmacy
Shipping responsibly. Complying transparently. Serving internationally.