We recently completed a breakbulk shipment, guaranteeing safe and efficient transportation from the point of origin to the final destination.
Our team skillfully managed each phase, from securing the cargo and coordinating logistics to supervising port operations and ensuring timely delivery.
If your organization requires dependable breakbulk solutions, we possess the necessary experience and expertise to fulfil your needs.
We’re proud to share that NATCO Logistics successfully delivered a time-critical charter shipment to Mozambique!
Faced with an urgent request, our team coordinated every detail with precision, ensuring real-time tracking and seamless execution.
Thanks to our global network and dedicated team, the cargo arrived safely and on time. At NATCO, we thrive under pressure and always go the extra mile. Congrats to our team and partners for making it happen!
Please be aware that all landside charges and cargo dues for FCL and LCL shipments will increase on the April 1st 2025.
South Africa – Update on shortfall in container availability (20FT Dry Containers).
With your cargo planning in mind, please be aware that an acute shortage of shipping containers in Durban and Johannesburg has severely impacted our ability to maintain optimal availability of 20FT Dry Containers.
Additional Commercial Invoice Details
As required by SARS to frame entries accurately, the following information is to appear on the shipper’s commercial invoice effective 1st April 2025.
Please note that this is in addition to the shipper and consignee’s name and address.
- Incoterms
- Payment terms
- Details of discount given
- Dutiable/non dutiable charges for accurate FOB value
- Full description of goods – not just product codes
- Quantity information
It is also highly suggested that the HS code per commodity be listed on the invoice. Failure to prepare the commercial invoice with the SARS requirements could delay the release of shipments.
SARS Notice: VAT Number Validation
From the 1st of April 2025 the Customs External Policy (SC-CF-55 A01) mandates VAT registered entities to include their VAT registration numbers on customs declarations to SARS. Historical data shows that VAT numbers are often missing, incorrect, or not linked to the right entity. For the remainder of the 2024/2025 Financial Year:
• If the “VAT Indicator” is “Yes,” the VAT number is mandatory and will be validated; if “No,” it won’t count towards the VAT 201 return.
• Invalid or inactive VAT numbers will result in declaration rejection, while warnings will be sent for active but incorrectly linked numbers.
From the 2025/26 Financial Year onwards:
Active and valid VAT numbers not linked to the correct entity will lead to rejection of declarations.
Compliance is crucial for traders with multiple entities to avoid rejection, which can be ensured through proper registration and accreditation. Traders with multiple Customs codes and VAT numbers should ensure that they are compliant by making use of the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation process, or by visiting a SARS office.
We kindly request that all shareholders verify their VAT numbers with SARS using the RLA tool (accessible through E-filing) for their import and export entities.
Should you rrequire any further information and or assistance please contact Schalk Coetzee at 011 608 2340 or email schalk@natcosa.co.za
Port of Maputo Expands into a Regional Trade Powerhouse
BekeleTransnet paves the way for Port of
Durban expansion and new access routes
The Port of Maputo is undergoing significant expansion and modernization to strengthen its role in regional trade. A $164 million investment is funding the construction of an expanded container terminal. Key upgrades include:
• A 400-meter quay extension, increasing the total length to 650 meters.
• A deeper terminal draught of -16 meters to accommodate larger vessels (up to 366 meters).
• Increased container capacity, handling up to 530,000 TEUs annually.
• Enhanced support for agricultural exports with over 700 refrigerated container plugs.
These improvements aim to boost the port’s efficiency, capacity, and economic growth, positioning it as a major logistics hub in Southern Africa.
(Author: Liya Bekele)
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is advancing the redevelopment and expansion of Bayhead Road to alleviate truck congestion and improve operations at the Port of Durban.
Afeasibility study for the road expansion is ongoing, with plans for a three-lane road in each direction. In the meantime, repairs to the existing road will be made. Additionally, TNPA is developing a second access road to the port, with an estimated cost of R3.2billion, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality. The road will connect the Port, M7, and N2,aiming to reduce traffic congestion. A pre-feasibility study is underway, and the Memorandum ofAgreement with the city is expected soon.
Other initiatives include addressing vessel backlogs with the purchase of seven new tugs, investing in security improvements, and plans to rehabilitate roads around the port. TNPA is also working on the Maydon Wharf multipurpose terminal and exploring the Durban Bay WaterfrontProject in collaboration with the city and Ithala for further development.
(Story by Yogashen Pillay)