Tax and SARS knowledge base

Can an importer defer customs duty and import VAT payments?

Last reviewed: 28 August 2026

Direct answer

Possibly. SARS says that deferment is a facility granted to existing registered or licensed Customs clients. It is not a separate Customs client type and it is not an exemption from duty or import VAT. A qualifying client may apply to defer payment within the current SARS rules and an approved limit, while remaining responsible for correct declarations, account reconciliation and settlement.

Plan it as a compliance facility, not as automatic trade finance. Before applying, confirm the importer’s Customs status, forecast the likely duty and VAT exposure, understand the bond and security requirements, and identify the staff member who will reconcile the Customs Statement of Account.

What this means in practice

An importer can have strong sales projections and still be unsuitable for an uncontrolled deferment facility. SARS can consider the current registration or licensing position and requires an application for the facility. The financial effect depends on the approved terms, transaction flow and payment discipline. Do not build a purchasing forecast on a facility until SARS has granted it in writing.

A clearing agent can prepare declarations, but the account holder needs its own controls. The importer should see the declarations charged to the account, reconcile them to shipping records and investigate discrepancies before the account closes. A wrong tariff code, customs value, quantity or payment allocation can affect the account.

Deferment also does not answer whether import VAT can be claimed as input tax. That is a separate VAT question. The business should preserve the Customs and VAT evidence required for the particular transaction and make sure the accounting team receives it in time for return preparation.

Step-by-step

Confirm Customs eligibility.

Verify that the business is an existing registered or licensed Customs client and that its registrations, details and compliance are current. Read the current SARS deferment material before starting an application. Do not infer eligibility from a freight forwarder’s account.

Build a realistic exposure forecast.

Use expected tariff codes, customs values, duty treatment, import VAT, shipment timing and possible delays. Create a monthly schedule with a conservative buffer. The forecast supports a practical limit request and helps management understand cash-flow risk.

Prepare the application and security information.

SARS says the applicant completes the required deferment forms and that Customs determines surety before granting the facility. Prepare the current forms, registration details, duty and VAT forecast, supporting financial information and requested bond documents. Obtain approval before using the facility.

Set account-owner controls.

Assign an accountable internal person, a backup and a daily or shipment-based review process. Give the clearing agent clear written instructions. Reconcile each declaration to invoice, packing list, tariff classification, customs value and the actual shipment.

Reconcile the Customs Statement of Account.

SARS issues a Customs Statement of Account for deferment accounts. Check every entry, investigate unallocated credits and arrange corrections through the proper route before the relevant cut-off. Do not wait until payment day to discover a disputed item.

Settle and retain evidence.

Make payment under the confirmed facility terms and retain the statement, reconciliation, payment proof, declaration file and any corrections. Review recurring issues monthly and refresh the forecast when product mix or import volume changes.

Documents and records to keep

Keep Customs registration or licence records, deferment applications, bonds, SARS approval, import forecasts, Customs entries, invoices, clearing-agent statements, Customs Statements of Account, reconciliations and payment evidence. Retain the VAT workpapers separately, linked to the same import documents.

Important limits and exceptions

This guide does not promise approval or state a client-specific limit, bond requirement, account period or payment date. Current SARS rules and the granted facility control those matters. Deferment does not eliminate duties, VAT, declaration errors or the need to settle the account.

Do not use the facility as a substitute for correct tariff classification, customs valuation or import-VAT controls. Incorrect entries can create debt and compliance issues regardless of the account’s payment timing.

When to get tailored advice

Get Customs advice before applying if imports are high value, volatile, related-party, subject to unusual procedures or dependent on thin cash flow. Get urgent help if an account is not reconciling, payment terms may be missed or a declaration requires correction.

TaxProof can help build the document checklist and monthly reconciliation process. We cannot obtain a deferment facility or determine the facility terms without SARS’s current assessment and approval.