# Your export readiness checklist

How do you know if you are ready to export? As an exporter, it is important to make sure that you have all your ducks in a row before engaging in foreign trade. You have to make sure you adhere to local and international legislation. All your official documents must be in order. You also have to make sure that it is financially viable to export your product. Doing your homework beforehand will help you avoid any nasty surprises down the line. This export readiness checklist will help get your business ready to export in no time:\[nectar\_icon\_list color="default" direction="vertical" icon\_size="small" icon\_style="border"\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799754-7" tab\_id="1709213799754-8" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Register as an importer and exporter. [Register here](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/import-and-export-license/ "Import and export license").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799798-1" tab\_id="1709213799799-5" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Obtain your export goods’ [tariff code/HS number](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/tariff-code-101/ "Tariff codes 101"). You can look this up in the [Tariff Book](https://customsregistration.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Tariff-Code-Look-Up-CR.pdf "Tariff Code Lookup"), or contact us to obtain a professional tariff classification.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799822-8" tab\_id="1709213799823-5" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Are you exporting to a country that has a [trade agreement](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/trade-agreements/ "Trade Agreements & Certificates of Origin") with South Africa? If yes, apply for a [certificate of origin](https://importexportlicense.co.za/services/ "Services") to help your customer save on import duties.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799843-5" tab\_id="1709213799844-8" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Determine whether you will need to charge [VAT](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/export-vat-a-quick-guide/ "Export VAT: A quick guide").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799865-9" tab\_id="1709213799866-0" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Identify if any of your export goods are regulated and require a special permit. For assistance, contact [087 550 1038](tel:+27875501038) or [enquire online](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/permit-for-regulated-goods/ "Permit for regulated goods").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799891-4" tab\_id="1709213799892-6" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Decide on the [Incoterms](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/incoterms-a-guide-to-international-buying-selling-terms/ "Incoterms: A guide to international buying & selling terms").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799933-5" tab\_id="1709213799933-4" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Decide on [insurance cover](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/an-importers-and-exporters-guide-to-marine-and-cargo-insurance/ "An Importers and Exporters Guide to Marine and Cargo Insurance"). Your logistics company can advise you on this.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213799973-8" tab\_id="1709213799974-5" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Decide on a [payment method](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/international-payment-methods/ "International payment methods").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213800008-0" tab\_id="1709213800009-2" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Make sure your [commercial invoice](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/what-should-my-export-invoice-look-like/ "What should my export invoice look like?") meets international standards.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709213800034-5" tab\_id="1709213800034-9" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]If you are arranging the shipping, [obtain a freight quote](https://www.retradesolutions.com/import-export-license#Name "Contact"). You will need the following information to obtain a quote:

- Size and weight of the shipment
- Whether the goods need to be air-freighted or sea-freighted
- Tariff code
- Shipping terms
- The supplier's contact details and collection address
- Your contact and delivery address
 
 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[/nectar\_icon\_list\]Now you are ready to export! For more resources to assist you in your export journey, visit our [Calculators page](https://importexportlicense.co.za/calculators/ "Calculators"). For advice and assistance with getting your business export ready, contact us at [087 550 1038](tel:+27875501038), or [fill out this form](https://importexportlicense.co.za/contact/ "Contact") and we’ll contact you.