Advance Payment Notification (APN) for Imports
An “Advance Payment Notice” or “APN” is a notice of the intention to apply to an authorised
dealer in foreign exchange and currency to make an advance foreign exchange payment, in
excess of R50 000, in respect of goods to be imported into the Republic of South Africa.
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What is an Advanced Payment Notification (APN)?
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Traders must now notify SARS via its e-filing platform before making a foreign payment for goods yet to be imported. Once notified, the importer will receive an Advanced Payment Notification (APN) reference number.
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This system aims to prevent illicit financial transactions and reduce duty and tax losses caused by customs undervaluation.
Customs Clearance Services
Will the APN requirement delay my payments and shipments ?
APN reference numbers are provided immediately on submission of an advance payment
notification, so there should be no delays to payment or shipment. Furthermore, APNs can be
made at any time, and from anywhere, using eFiling. With effect from 1 December 2023,
authorised dealers will also be permitted to issue Bank Generated APN Numbers (BGAs) in
certain exceptional circumstances to limit any delays. The use of a Bank Generated APN (BGA)
to manage specific exceptions as agreed with SARS has also been legislated and conditions
therefore have been specified.
How must an Advance Payment Notification be made?
An APN must be made electronically using the SARS eFiling service. Please refer to the user
guide published on the Advance Import Payment webpage of the SARS website for more
detailed information. Advance Import Payments | South African Revenue Service (sars.gov.za)
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Customer Testimonials
Collin Stewart
Cape Town
“AK Consulting has completely changed the game for us. They allowed us to identify improvements in our logistics department and alleviate so much of stress with our imports from USA to South Africa.”
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Pretoria
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Johannesburg
"Since working with AK Consulting, our business has grown immensly in the last 10 years. No matter what time I call, they always assist and go the extra mile! They run our entire logistics operation.”