Frequently Asked Questions

[Provided by the U.S. Commecial Service/ ExportUSA.com]

What is the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS)?

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration. The U.S. Commercial Service is a global network of 1,800 trade professionals located in more than 250 cities worldwide, dedicated to assisting U.S. exporters and supporting U.S. business interests abroad. In the United States, the U.S. Commercial Service operates an extensive network of Export Assistance Centers that offer companies easy access and efficient response to exporting and international trade inquiries. Overseas, the Commercial Service is present in nearly 80 countries, representing more than 95 percent of the world market for U.S. exports.

The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa (CSSA) is co-located with the U.S. Consulate General. Our mission is to create jobs in the United States by advancing commercial opportunities in South Africa and strategically assisting firms export U.S. products and services. CSSA has developed many services designed specifically to assist companies such as yours do business in South Africa.

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Who does the USCS serve?

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) primarily serves exporters of U.S. goods and services, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. We have a global network of professional consultants in nearly 300 domestic and overseas offices. Our in-depth counseling includes specific information to help you market your products and services in the global market.

The U.S. Commercial Service South Africa (CSSA) staff provides a combination of cost-effective basic and customized services to help you obtain market information, participate in trade events, and identify potential partners. Our commercial specialists have extensive local market expertise and can provide you with comprehensive market analysis and matchmaking assistance in all industries.

We also help South African companies source U.S. suppliers and import U.S. goods and services.

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How do I obtain information on the South African market?

The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa (CSA) identifies the industry sectors that offer the most potential for U.S. products and services, and prepares market research reports on an on-going basis. If you would like to receive market intelligence about export opportunities for your particular product or service, CS South Africa can conduct customized market research for your firm.

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Which industry sectors offer the best opportunities?

The South Africa Country Commercial Guide (CCG) lists the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investment in South Africa. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in South Africa for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Aside from the best prospect sectors, U.S. firms should also be aware of opportunities in other sectors of the South African economy. Contact us for information on the market of opportunities for your particular product or service.

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How do I find South African buyers/distributors/representatives?

The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa (CSSA) provides many services to help U.S. companies identify potential South African partners. Our business matchmaking services are designed to help you locate, screen, and meet with potential buyers, representatives, distributors, and joint venture partners.

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Does South Africa import my product? How much? Who are the major potential buyers?

The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa (CSSA) uses a variety of resources, including in-country databases and local expertise, to provide you with import statistics and a list of the top ten potential importers for your product.

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How do I establish a company in South Africa?

Foreign and domestic investors have free and equal rights to establish and own businesses in South Africa, or to acquire and dispose of interest in businesses without discrimination. An individual must be appointed as the company's legal representative, but assignment of capital to a branch office is not necessary.

You will find further information about establishing a company in South Africa in Chapter 3 of the South African Country Commercial Guide (CCG), which deals with Selling U.S. Products and Services. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in South Africa for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

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Do any import restrictions apply to my product?

You will find a summary of the most important South Africa import regulations and import restrictions in Chapter 5 of the South Africa Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Trade Regulations and Standards. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in South Africa for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

If you would like to identify import duties and taxes applicable to your specific product, please contact us.

If you need counseling from an expert in customs issues, contact us to request a list of South African customs brokers. Please be advised that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

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Which safety regulations and standards apply to my product?

You will find information about safety regulations and standards in Chapter 5 of the South Africa Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Trade Regulations and Standards. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in South Africa for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

If you would like to identify the standards applicable to your specific product, please contact us.

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Where can I find a list of business hotels in South Africa?

For information on hotels in South Africa, please contact us. We will be happy to provide you with the information you need for a successful business trip.

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Can USCS help me resolve a complaint against a South African company?

If your firm is having difficulties with a South African company, please feel free to contact us and provide detailed information about the situation, contact data, and documented proof of unsuccessful attempts at resolving the problem. We will analyze your case and provide assistance accordingly. Please be advised that the Embassy, by its own initiative, does not intervene in questions arising from private transactions. It does however, attempt to clarify misunderstandings.

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I need legal advice. Where can I find a list of law firms in South Africa?

If you need legal advice, please contact us. We can provide you with a list of the major law firms located in South Africa. Please take into account that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

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How do I find information about exporting my agricultural products?

You will find information about "Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards-FAIRS" in the Foreign Agricultural Service home page.  If you need additional information or assistance, you will find a live link to the web site of the Foreign Agricultural Service in South Africa.

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Where can I find a list of U.S. companies based in South Africa?

The American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa and the South Africa Embassy in the United States can provide you with the names of U.S. companies established in South Africa.

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