AfCFTA Applications Go Digital from November 2025
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Exporters, producers, and customs agents must take note of the fact that all AfCFTA-related registrations are now done via the RLA system on eFiling. These registrations are required for South African traders who wish to benefit from reduced tariffs or duty-free trade under the AfCFTA agreement when exporting to participating African countries.
What’s Changing?
All applications under the AfCFTA agreement must now be submitted electronically on the RLA system. This includes:
Exporters (AfCFTA) - A business or individual authorised to export goods under AfCFTA trade preferences.
Approved Exporters (AfCFTA) - An exporter who meets additional criteria, often allowing for simplified declaration processes or faster clearances.
Producer in terms of AfCFTA – A manufacturer or supplier of goods who certifies origin for AfCFTA purposes.
Until now, this process involved manual submissions. From 1 November 2025, it’s online only.
Who Needs to Take Action?
This applies to any business or individual wishing to trade under AfCFTA preferences with countries including Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tunisia.
👉 Note: SADC trade remains under a separate protocol.
What You Need to Do
Log in to SARS eFiling (or visit a SARS branch if you must—but eFiling is quicker).
Assign rights: Your customs rep needs the right access from your eFiling administrator.
Visit the RLA page for info and user guides: RLA info here
Switch your profile from "Individual" to "Organisation".
Open RLA on eFiling.
Check your customs code is listed.
If missing, follow the “merge” process.
If multiple codes show, pick one and use it consistently.
If unused codes appear, cancel them manually at a SARS office.
On the RLA dashboard, click “New Application”.
Follow the wizard: Go to → Registration → Exporter → choose AfCFTA type.
Complete the info and upload documents.
Submit and get your case number.
Wait for SARS to notify you via email or SMS.
Download your letter from the RLA inbox or SARS Query Online System (SOQS).
Queries can be addressed to SARS dedicated email address: RLARegistrations@sars.gov.za.
Read the SARS letter to trade for more information.
