Market entry · South Africa - Set up and sell in South Africa
These are the bodies your company and products will deal with in South Africa, and the work we take off your hands at each stage.
Who you will deal with
| Company registration | CIPCCompanies and Intellectual Property Commission |
|---|---|
| Investment authority | InvestSAInvestSA One Stop Shop |
| Tax authority | SARSSouth African Revenue Service |
| E-invoicing | Confirmed during assessment |
| Standards and conformity | SABS / NRCSSouth African Bureau of Standards / National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications |
These agencies are a starting point. We confirm the exact requirements for your product during the assessment.
How it works
Three stages, at your pace
Stage 1
Assess
- Market size and demand
- Regulatory map for your product
- Landed-cost model, built with Tarifix
- Competitors and sales channels
- A recommended entry route
You receive a market-entry report
Stage 2
Establish
- Company registration
- Investment licence where needed
- Tax, VAT and e-invoicing registration
- Product registration and certification
- Bank account and mobile money collection
- Work permits for foreign staff
- Office or warehouse space
You have a company ready to trade
Stage 3
Operate
- Import logistics and customs
- Warehousing and distribution
- Distributor management
- E-invoicing and tax compliance
- A local point of contact
- Market reporting
You run a working operation
Two ways in
Through distributors, or with your own company
Most companies should start with distributors and set up their own company once sales justify it. Our assessment recommends one route or the other.
Through distributors
Local distributors buy and resell your products. No local company needed.
Lower commitment
We find and vet distributors, handle import and customs, certify your products and warehouse your stock.
Best for testing demand
With your own company
Register a local company, hire staff and invoice locally.
Higher commitment
Everything in the distributor route, plus company registration, tax and e-invoicing setup, banking introductions, premises and staff.
Best for a long-term presence
Where we help
Eight markets across East and Southern Africa
Each market has its own company registrar, investment authority, tax system and standards body. We know which of them your product will meet.
Start a conversation
Tell us about your plans
Four short steps. We reply within one business day with next steps and, if it suits you, a call.
Include the country code, or give your WeChat ID.
Let’s work together
Ready to move cargo, source products, set up in East Africa or build software? We’d love to hear from you.
Get in touchor email inquiries@xtellar.co