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Export Market Guide - South Africa

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All regulatory information for exporting wine goods to South Africa, including the regulatory environment, duties and taxes, and permitted additives.

South Africa is Australia’s largest trading partner in Africa and bilateral relations are strong. South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources. South Africa is part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). 

South Africa and Australia are members of the World Wine Trade Group. South Africa has not yet signed either of the agreements formed by the group (Agreement on Oenological Practices and the Agreement on Labelling). South Africa has a robust wine regulatory framework with export controls similar to Australia’s. 

South Africa and the European Union signed a Free Trade Agreement in 1999 which gradually reduced tariffs for European wines entering South Africa over a period of 12 years. In 2012 the tariff rate reached zero. In comparison, Australian wines entering South Africa attract a 25 per cent tariff.

 

Various departments within the South African government enforce the Liquor Products Act (Act 60 of 1989), which concerns the import and export of liquor products. The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Directorate of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is the main regulator, while other aspects related to liquor regulation are administered by the Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Other relevant legislation includes the Liquor Act 59 of 2003 and the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 1972.


Wine standards for the South Africa market

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This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.

Levy payers/exporters
Non-levy payers/exporters
Find out more

This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.