How a container reaches South Africa
Second-hand clothing is traded in South Africa through importers and wholesalers, and rules on used-clothing imports are specific, so confirm current requirements with a customs broker.
South African orders are quoted to Durban or Cape Town. Name the port. Freight is a separate line and depends on distance from the load's origin. Payment is upfront, before shipping.
Supply can come from charity donation routes in more than one US region. Rawbales does not sell from its own stock, and it does not offer photos of a specific load.
What is in the container
The product is raw credential clothing: unsorted, ungraded donations collected from charity routes in the US. Nothing is picked before it is baled. Brands are not guaranteed.
- ·Full export containers of raw credential clothing in 800–1,100 lb bales, $0.53–$0.60/lb (about $1.17–$1.32/kg) before freight.
- ·Every export order is one full 40,000 lb load, about 18 metric tons. No partial containers and no single bales.
- ·Smaller US orders are a different product: 10,000 lb micro loads ship as loose bags, not bales, and only inside the listed service states.
Before you order for South Africa
Rules on used clothing differ by country and change. Before you order, confirm the current requirements for South Africa — permits, certificates, duties and which ports are accepted — with a licensed customs broker or the customs authority. Clearance at your end is the buyer's responsibility.
Read the customs-broker checklist, then how an order moves from request to the dock and how to buy wholesale used clothing. Questions go to the order request form or mike@rawbales.com.
Questions from importers
Which port should I name for South Africa?
Name Durban or Cape Town. Freight is quoted to the port or route you choose and depends on distance from the load's origin.
What is the minimum container for South Africa?
One full load: 40,000 lbs, about 18 metric tons, in bales. Export orders are not split into partial containers.
Is the clothing sorted, and are brands guaranteed?
No. The load is raw credential clothing, untouched and ungraded. Brands are not guaranteed.
When do I pay, and who clears the container?
Payment is upfront, before shipping. You handle permits, duties and clearance in South Africa. Documents from our side are a commercial invoice, a packing list with bale count and weights, and a bill of lading.