Freight Forwarding & Supply Chain Logistics News & Insights

Dear Valued Client Following recent industry engagements between SAAFF, SABS and trade stakeholders regarding the upcoming Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program, importers are reminded that the proposed implementation date remains 20 September 2026, with the pilot phase initially applying to imports from China. Meetings held in May 2026 confirmed that SABS has now supplied HS code headings linked to products that may fall within the program. However, stakeh

Dear Valued Client Please be advised that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), together with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), has introduced a new Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program applicable to certain imported products originating from China. The new directive was gazetted in March 2026 and introduces mandatory pre-shipment conformity verification for selected “unregulated” product categories imported into South Afr

Dear Valued Client Due to the recent adjustment in fuel price, the diesel fuel surcharge will increase by 11% for the month of May 2026. We would also like to draw your attention to severe weather conditions affecting key coastal regions and port operations. Durban (KZN): Heavy rainfall and disruptive winds are currently impacting the region, with areas of localised flooding. Crane operations are intermittently on standby, depending on prevailing conditions. Cape Town & Weste

Dear Valued Client Please take note of the below tariff amendments published by SARS which is effective from 30 April 2026: Amendment to Schedule 1 Part 1: By the deletion of tariff subheadings 3917.39.20 and 3917.39.90 and the insertion of tariff subheadings 3917.39.21, 3917.39.23, 3917.39.93 and 3917.39.99 in order to increase the rate of customs duty on tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene, seamless, with fittings, multi-layered, having an intermediate layer of

Dear Valued Client Please be advised that the banking details for SCT Supply Chain Solutions have not changed. We have been alerted to fraudulent calls and correspondence falsely claiming that SCT has updated its banking details. While these callers may sound legitimate and professional, they are not associated with our company. Kindly disregard any such communication and, if in doubt, please contact our Finance Department at our Head Office on (031) 818 0320 to verify.

Dear Valued Client Please note the following tariff amendments: 1. SARS Amendment to Schedule 1 Part 1 – effective 17 April 2026 - By the insertion of tariff subheading 7310.10.20, in order to increase the general rate of customs duty on conical steel drums, of steel, of a capacity of 210 li or more but not exceeding 234 li from free of duty to 15%.(ITAC Report 735) Notice 2. Transnet Fuel Neutrality Fee – effective 1 May 2026 - TPT will implement a variable fuel neutral

Dear Valued Client Please be advised that Transnet will be implementing a new container surcharge linked to fuel cost adjustments, effective May 2026. This will be applied as a shipping line-related charge and is expected to start at approx. R52 per container, with possible monthly adjustments in line with fuel price movements. We will continue to monitor any changes and keep you informed should there be any notable increases. Related Articles: War fallout: Transnet introduc

Dear Valued Client We are pleased to confirm that our team has successfully restored the server infrastructure. With the foundation now back online, our IT team is focused on reinstating all client-facing portals. While users may not yet be able to log in, please be assured that we are in the final stages of the recovery process to ensure full stability. We expect all services to be fully operational before close of business today. Thank you for your patience as we work to re

Dear Valued Client Our server remains temporarily unavailable and registered users are still unable to access the SCT Portal. While we initially anticipated a quick restoration, the process is taking longer than expected. Please be assured that our technical team is fully engaged and working diligently to restore access as quickly as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Further updates will be shared as we receive feedback.

Dear Valued Client Due to the recent change in fuel price, the diesel fuel surcharge is expected to rise by approximately 18% for April 2026. The exact quantum of the surcharge is yet to be confirmed, which may lead to supplementary invoices for deliveries during the month of April. Any adjustments will be reviewed on a per-shipment basis and applied only where necessary. Should you have any queries, please reach out to our team at any of our locations

Dear Valued Client We would like to bring to your attention an important update that will affect shipments transiting certain Middle Eastern waters. Following recent geopolitical developments involving Iran and surrounding territories, underwriters across the global marine insurance market have issued notices advising cancellation of War, Strikes, Riots and Civil Commotions (War Risks) cover under current marine cargo policies. In accordance with the policy cancellation claus

Dear Valued Client Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting impact on global shipping operations, carriers have announced several emergency surcharges affecting cargo moving to Southern Africa. Increased fuel prices, security risks, and disruptions to key shipping lanes are driving these measures. Additionally, fuel prices in Europe have risen significantly, causing truckers to increase fuel surcharges or adjust their all-in prices accordingly. Opera

Dear Valued Client We would like to provide a brief update on the ongoing Middle East tensions and the impact this is having on global freight movements. The situation remains fluid and may change rapidly, but we are monitoring developments daily to support your planning. Air Freight: Air cargo capacity remains severely constrained. Major Middle Eastern carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad are currently operating at very limited capacity or not at all, which

Dear Valued Client Whilst the situation remains highly fluid and unclear, the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has caused significant disruption to global air logistics. We understand that there have been widespread airline cancellations, including the temporary suspension of flights in and out of key regional hubs such as Dubai and Doha . Authorities in the UAE have implemented precautionary airspace restrictions and operational pauses at major airports,