General Information

Certain goods are restricted for carriage in accordance with I.A.T.A (International Air Transport Association) regulations governing the transportation and packaging requirements for hazardous and dangerous goods.

Please contact Professional Couriers for additional information and quotations. All hazardous articles require a Hazardous Declaration Form, which must be completed by the shipper.

At Professional Couriers, we ensure that your Proof of Deliveries (POD) are scanned into our system immediately upon receipt, making them available for your reference almost instantaneously. Depending on your preference, we can either email these documents to you directly or provide the information verbally upon request. We aim to make this process as seamless and efficient as possible for you, ensuring you have the delivery confirmation you need when you need it. 

For domestic shipments within South Africa, the Proof of Delivery (POD) is generally provided verbally, unless you specify that a hard copy is needed. If you require a hard copy POD, please be aware that this may involve additional time for processing and delivery. We strive to provide you with timely and accurate information to avoid any unnecessary delays. 

For international shipments, Proof of Deliveries (POD) are typically provided verbally unless a specific request for a hard copy is made. In the case that a physical POD is required, there may be additional time delays in obtaining and sending these documents back to South Africa, particularly if they need to be sourced from overseas partners. We advise considering this potential delay when planning your logistics needs. 

We offer a 30-day credit facility to our clients, providing more flexibility when managing your payments. To take advantage of this, you must first apply and undergo an approval process. Once your application is successful, Professional Couriers will confirm your account number and provide all necessary documentation and stationery required for smooth account management. This includes credit terms, invoices, and any relevant paperwork for processing payments.

Our team is available to assist you through the application and approval process to ensure everything is set up correctly. The credit terms are designed to help you manage your cash flow effectively, while continuing to receive the high level of service that Professional Couriers is known for.

To maintain the safety and integrity of your shipments, Professional Couriers insists that all parcels be properly packaged. The following guidelines ensure that your goods are transported securely and without incident:

1. 📦 Packaging Standards:

   • All shipments must be packaged in sturdy cartons that can withstand handling during transportation.

   • Ensure that packaging is sealed tightly using strong adhesive tape to avoid any risk of the parcel opening during transit.

   • If reusing old packaging materials, carefully remove all old labels to avoid confusion during delivery. It is essential that the parcel is clearly and correctly addressed.

2. ⚠️ Restricted Goods:

   • Certain goods, particularly those being shipped internationally by air, are classified as “restricted” and require adherence to specific packaging regulations.

   • These shipments must comply with the I.A.T.A (International Air Transport Association) regulations, which outline the required packaging standards and documentation.

   • If you have restricted items to ship, Professional Couriers can arrange to have the packaging done on your behalf at an additional cost. These packaging services will be billed at the end of the month as part of your regular invoice.

🌐 International Shipments and Documentation:

International shipments come with their own set of requirements, depending on the nature of the shipment. Below is an overview of the documentation and regulations that apply to both document and non-document movements:

1. 📄 Document Movements:

   • No Duties: International document shipments are generally not subject to customs duties, and no special documentation is required beyond the standard shipping labels and any requested POD.

   • No Declarations: Documents that are being moved internationally typically do not require declarations for customs authorities, making the process more straightforward.

2. 📦 Non-Document Movements:

   • For non-document shipments (i.e., physical goods), several types of documentation are required to ensure compliance with international trade regulations:

     • Pro-forma Invoice: This invoice is used primarily for customs purposes when goods are being shipped. It lists the contents and value of the shipment.

     • Commercial Invoice: A more detailed invoice for commercial shipments, providing a breakdown of the items and their associated costs.

     • F178 Declaration: This declaration is a legal commitment by you (the shipper) to the Reserve Bank that funds for the goods will be brought into South Africa upon delivery, as required by South African exchange control regulations.

     • N.E.P. (New Economic Policy): This policy may apply depending on the nature of the goods being imported or exported. It relates to South Africa’s economic controls, and its inclusion ensures compliance with national economic regulations.

3. 💰 Pricing and VAT:

   • Excluding VAT: All prices quoted by Professional Couriers exclude VAT unless otherwise specified. However, international export shipments are zero-rated for VAT, meaning they are not subject to VAT charges.

   • Duties and Taxes: Please note that any customs duties or taxes levied by South African Customs or the destination country are not included in the quoted shipping prices. These fees are the responsibility of the consignee (the recipient) and must be paid before the goods can be delivered. We recommend that you inform your recipient of any potential duties or taxes to avoid any delays at the time of delivery.

⚖️ Additional Guidelines:

1. 🚨 Packaging for Hazardous Materials:

   • While Professional Couriers takes all necessary precautions to ensure the safe and secure transport of all goods, hazardous materials require special handling. These goods must comply with I.A.T.A. regulations, ensuring they are packaged according to international standards.

   • Should you need to ship hazardous goods, please reach out to Professional Couriers for guidance on the correct packaging methods and additional documentation.

2. ⏳ Handling Delays:

   • While we strive to provide efficient service, please be mindful that certain factors, such as customs clearance and international transit times, can sometimes cause delays. Professional Couriers will always inform you of any known delays and will work closely with you to ensure a timely resolution.