Trade snapshot
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
Top Indian exports to South Africa
| Product group | Value (US$ bn, CY2025) |
|---|---|
| Petroleum products | 2.06 |
| Vehicles & auto components | 1.86 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 0.68 |
| Machinery | 0.46 |
| Electrical equipment | 0.23 |
| Plastics | 0.15 |
| Inorganic chemicals | 0.09 |
| Misc chemicals | 0.09 |
HS-chapter level, UN Comtrade calendar-year data.
What India imports from South Africa
| Product group | Value (US$ bn, CY2025) |
|---|---|
| Coal & mineral fuels | 3.24 |
| Gold, diamonds & precious metals | 3.03 |
| Ores | 0.89 |
| Wood pulp | 0.48 |
| Iron & steel | 0.14 |
| Stone/minerals | 0.14 |
Regulators and import rules in South Africa
Key bodies: SARS Customs (RLA registration); ITAC (import permits/rebates); DALRRD (agri import permits, plant & animal health); NRCS (Letter of Authority for compulsory specs — electrical, auto parts, processed meat/fish); SABS (standards); SAHPRA (medicines, devices); Dept of Health (food labelling R.146/R.3337); Port Health.
General import documentation
| Requirement | Regulator | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Customs registration | SARS | Importer/exporter customs code via RLA on eFiling |
General guidance; confirm with your customs broker.
Shipping from India to South Africa
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Durban: 12-18 days typical. Direct India-South Africa services exist; NRCS LOA before import for regulated goods
Main ports and entry points: Durban (busiest in sub-Saharan Africa); Cape Town; Ngqura/Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha); Richards Bay (bulk); City Deep inland terminal (Johannesburg). Air: JNB
Indian community
1,800,000 (PIO 1,722,600 + NRI 77,400; Durban has the largest Indian-origin population outside India) [S6]
Cities in South Africa
Products we supply to South Africa
- Non-Basmati Rice
- Kabuli Chickpeas
- Frozen Boneless Buffalo Meat
- Jaggery
- Sugar
- Ghee
- Generic Drug Formulations
- Surgical Cotton, Gauze & Wound Dressings
- BOPP Films
- PP Woven Sacks & BOPP-Laminated Bags
- Hotel Linen
- Jute Bags & Jute Products
- Vitrified & Ceramic Tiles
- Ceramic Sanitaryware
- Hotel & Restaurant Supplies
- Hand Tools
- Centrifugal & Submersible Pumps
- Industrial Valves
- Auto Components - Aftermarket
- Bicycles & Bicycle Parts
- Electrical Cables & Wires
Frequently asked questions
How much does India export to South Africa?
US$7.46 bn in FY2024-25 (DGCI&S quick estimates), led by petroleum products, vehicles & auto components, pharmaceuticals.
Does India have a free trade agreement with South Africa?
No FTA in force. India–SACU PTA: terms of reference signed 12 Aug 2026, negotiations under way [S7]. MFN duties apply (SA tariff book)
How long is shipping from India to South Africa?
Typically 12–18 d to Durban (direct India–SA services) [06 §F.2] — ASSUMPTION (consultant judgement; no carrier schedule fetchable) days at sea (estimate), depending on port pair and routing.
Which authorities regulate imports in South Africa?
SARS Customs (RLA registration); ITAC (import permits/rebates); DALRRD (agri import permits, plant & animal health); NRCS (Letter of Authority for compulsory specs — electrical, auto parts, processed meat/fish); SABS (standards).
Sourcing for South Africa?
Tell us the product, quantity and your port.