Shipping & Delivery

How International Shipping & Delivery Works

At South African Pharmacy (SA Pharmacy), we believe international customers deserve a clear understanding of how their orders move from South Africa to their doorstep.

This page explains the international shipping process step by step, outlines realistic timelines, and clarifies responsibilities—so you can order with confidence.

Step 1: Placing Your Order

You place your order directly on the SA Pharmacy website by:

  • Selecting your products

  • Entering your international shipping address

  • Completing payment securely

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email.

Step 2: Order Review & Preparation

Before dispatch, every international order is reviewed to ensure:

  • Product accuracy

  • Suitability for international shipping

  • Compliance with our internal policies

Orders are then carefully packed to protect product integrity during transit.

If we identify any concerns that may affect shipment, we may contact you before dispatch.

Step 3: Dispatch from South Africa

Orders are shipped from South Africa using selected:

  • International postal services, or

  • Courier partners (depending on destination and service availability)

Once your order is dispatched:

  • You will receive a shipping confirmation

  • A tracking number will be provided where available

Step 4: International Transit

Your parcel travels from South Africa to your destination country.

During this stage:

  • Transit times vary by region

  • Tracking updates depend on the carrier and destination

  • Some postal services provide limited tracking once parcels leave South Africa

This stage is managed by international carriers and is outside SA Pharmacy’s direct control.

Step 5: Customs Processing (Important)

When your parcel arrives in your country, it will pass through customs clearance.

Customs authorities may:

  • Inspect the parcel

  • Assess duties or taxes

  • Request additional documentation

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

Please note:

  • Customs decisions are made by your local authorities

  • SA Pharmacy cannot influence clearance outcomes

  • Import rules differ by country

Step 6: Local Delivery

Once cleared by customs:

  • Your parcel is handed to a local postal service or courier

  • Final delivery is completed to your address

Delivery speed at this stage depends on your local carrier.

Estimated Delivery Timeframes

Delivery times are estimates and may vary:

  • Africa: 7–14 working days

  • UK / Europe: 10–21 working days

  • USA / Canada: 10–25 working days

  • Asia / Australia: 14–30 working days

Factors that may affect delivery time include:

  • Customs inspections

  • Public holidays

  • Peak shipping periods

  • Local postal delays

Customs Duties, Taxes & Fees

International shipments may be subject to:

  • Import duties

  • VAT or sales tax

  • Customs clearance fees

These charges:

  • Are determined by your local authorities

  • Are not included in your SA Pharmacy order

  • Are the responsibility of the customer

If Your Parcel Is Delayed or Held

If customs holds your parcel:

  • Respond promptly to any requests from customs or your carrier

  • Provide documentation if required

  • Contact us if you need assistance understanding the process

While we are happy to help where possible, SA Pharmacy cannot override customs decisions.

If a Shipment Is Rejected or Returned

In rare cases, shipments may be:

  • Returned to South Africa

  • Confiscated

  • Destroyed by customs

Please understand:

  • These outcomes are beyond our control

  • Refunds or reshipments may not be possible

  • This risk is part of international medicine importation

We encourage customers to confirm import legality before ordering.

Storage & Handling After Delivery

Upon receiving your order:

  • Store products according to manufacturer instructions

  • Protect medicines from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight

  • Keep products out of reach of children

If you have concerns about product condition on arrival, contact us promptly.

Our Commitment to Transparent Shipping

SA Pharmacy is committed to:

  • Honest delivery expectations

  • Clear communication

  • Responsible international dispatch

  • Supporting customers with information—not unrealistic promises

We would rather explain the process clearly than oversimplify it.

When to Contact Us Before Ordering

Please contact us before ordering if:

  • You are unsure whether a product can be imported into your country

  • You have questions about delivery timelines

  • You plan to place a larger-than-usual order

  • You need clarification on customs or tracking

We are here to help you order responsibly.

South African Pharmacy
Shipping transparently. Delivering responsibly. Serving globally.