Shipping Household Affects from Cape Town to Port Louis

karibi Active member

Member since 28 November 2023

karibiActive memberToday 13:36:53

I am trying to understand whether it is sensible to ship used household effects to Mauritius. Can anybody:

(a) Provide any insight into approximate costs for a half or a full container.

(b) Any challenges with SARS or any other official body out of Cape Town.

(d) Any recommendations for a shipping company.

Thanks

Pandora At Dodoland Active member

Member since 21 May 2022

Pandora At DodolandActive memberToday 14:31:11

Hi,

It's 3 years old information. I'm not sure if it's update enough. Just for your information for the (c). If you are a return resident (I assume 6 months away from MRU), then most of the items are tax free. If not, most items are 15%. FYI, I shipped a foldable shopping trolley, the tax was 30%+15%. But fabric curtain was 0%. Since you are planned to ship used household effects, the value of the items is "you name it".

I don't know any shipping company in SA. But the practice from China for LCL shipment, you can't choose the local (MRU) shipping agent/forwarder. FCL shipment, you can appoint any local shipping agent/forwarder. Whether you ship LCL or FCL, always ask the local agent to give you the cost breakdown in advance, as well as the customs broker fee . As they might charge you double (like sea freight on both end) when you are excited to receive your things and didn't pay attention to the bill when they present to you.

Good luck!