“Don’t Judge Me”: Woman Shows Customs Fee on R9k Shein Order, SA’s Astonished

• A local hun showed off how much she paid on customs fees after making an order on a global fashion and lifestyle online retailer
• The babe's Shein items sparked a lively conversation online after revealing the hefty customs fee she had to pay for an international order
• Social media users could not believe the large amount, and some were worried about placing orders

Shopping online for international goods has perks, but the excitement can quickly turn sour when customs duties and fees are involved.

For TikTok user @sisonke000, this reality became evident when she had to pop out a significant amount to get her package through customs. She shared her experience in a short video on the platform, which ignited reactions from social media users who could relate to the steep costs.

The custom fees that astonished Mzansi

In her video, @sisonke000 shares a glimpse of her Aramex customs fee receipt, which showed an eye-watering charge of R2710.80 for her online order worth R9091. The clip, set to a catchy tune, showcased her reaction as she humorously lamented the high cost of bringing her items into the country.

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She captioned her post:

"Expect more than this 😭😭😭, don't judge me please 😩."

Watch the video here.

SARS imposes stricter measures on Temu and Shein goods

An article by the local publication BusinessTech revealed that the South African Revenue Services was on a plan to impose more stringent measures for low-cost items from Chinese international online retail markets in its bid to protect the South African textile industry.

Legal experts from Webber Wentzel shared that from 1 September 2024, SARS introduced changes to calculating customs duties and import VAT. Under the new rules, VAT is now applied on top of the existing 20% flat rate customs duty, implemented temporarily.

Mzansi reacts to the high custom amount

The video's comment section lit up as other users commented on their experiences. Some revealed their custom fees, with amounts nearing R2000 for purchases worth far less than hers, and others who were still waiting for their orders were scared of their custom fees.

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User @Boitumelo Mokhatsane said:

"I bought things worth R7k I haven't gotten the customs message. I'm literally shaking😫."

User @MrsNokoLuwaca noted:

"Yazi, it doesn't hurt as much when you accept 🥺🥺🥺."

User @Lesego_Mog commented:

"I found my people. I wanted to see what the customs are for large orders. Thanks 🤍."

User @Its._. Karmen shared:

"Now I'm not scared to clear my 4.5k cart 😌."

User @QueenRuth 👑said:

"SBWL to purchase for 9K 😭😭."

User @Matete added:

"I think the cheaper the order, the higher the custom price cause I order R6.1k and paid R1576."

3 Briefly News Shein customs articles

• A lady explained that custom fees are calculated based on the VAT, administration fees, and the value the item attracts on items from Shein and Temu.
• A lady was shocked to be charged R831.34 in customs fees for a R1252 order, and Mzansi advised her to get a refund.
• A local hun expressed frustration after being charged R455 by customs for an R2K order for Shein clothes.

Source: Briefly News