What kind of food can I bring into South Africa on a flight from Europe?

I have done some research online but I found very little information and the official SARS website didn't help much. It seems like meat, fruit, animals, seeds and derivates are restricted. I plan on bringing in:

spaghetti,
a small panettone,
candies,
chocolate.

These are all bought packaged, never opened.

Do I have to declare these items and go through the Red Channel or are these items duty-free?

customs-and-immigration south-africa

Best Answer

Nothing on your list is dutiable. However, all food is supposed to be declared.

Goods you have to declare

Food, plants, animals and biological goods

All plants and plant products, such as seeds, flowers, fruit, honey, margarine and vegetable oils. All animals, birds, poultry and products thereof, for example, dairy products, butter and eggs.

Pasta, panettone, and chocolate, candies may contain eggs, butter, oils (although unlikely to be an issue) and all are typical of products/gifts that travellers carry. With its better safe than sorry approach, you might want to use the Red Channel, or ask for assistance from the Customs officer on duty.

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Can you bring food to South Africa?

These items include the following: Medicines: Visitors can bring up to a month's supply of pharmaceutical drugs or medicines. Higher amounts need to be accompanied by a certified letter from a doctor. Food, plants, and animals: This includes all biological products including seeds, flowers, and foodstuffs.

Can I take chocolate into South Africa?

Sweets. Candy and chocolates are fine to bring into the country if they are in sealed packages. The South African government would never discriminate against chocolate. Be advised that Tim-Tams, Mars Bars, Snickers, Ferrero Rocher and many other international top sellers are all widely available in South Africa.

Can you take food to Africa?

All food needs to be declared, of course. You can use it for any purpose. These include seeds, flowers, fruit, fruit juices, honey, margarine, vegetable oils, and fruit spreads. As an example of animals, birds, poultry and products, dairy products.

What can you not take into South Africa?

Prohibited Goods

Narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form.
Fully automatic, military and unnumbered weapons.
Explosives and fireworks.
Poison and other toxic substances.
Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000.

TSA Rules For Food: What Can I Bring Onto The Plane?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Nothing Ahead, Rachel Claire, William Fortunato, Nothing Ahead