You will now know upfront what the import charge will be.
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You've added all your goodies to your cart and are ready to pay, but in the back of your mind, you know there are those sneaky import duties you still have to pay.
You brace yourself for that message saying you have to pay import duties, and the amount can sometimes be a shocker, you were not expecting.
For many Shein customers in South Africa, this scenario was a frustrating and all-too-common reality.
Shoppers would complete their purchases on the popular e-commerce platform, only to be hit with a separate and often unpredictable bill for customs duties once their parcels landed in the country.
This required them to make an additional payment to international logistics companies like Buffalo Logistics or Aramex before their order could be delivered.
But those days of uncertainty are over. Shein has introduced a significant update to its checkout process that will display and charge all import duties directly at the time of purchase.
Shein has introduced an update to its checkout process that will display and charge all import duties directly at the time of purchase.
Image: Screenshot
This new system brings much-needed transparency and predictability to the online shopping experience for South African customers.
The "import charge" is now a clear line item at checkout, and according to Shein, this fee is comprehensive, covering customs duties, VAT, and all other import charges.
A key benefit of this change is the explicit reassurance given to shoppers: "You do not need to pay any additional charges to couriers separately."
This upfront calculation and payment not only eliminates the element of surprise but also helps shoppers budget more effectively for their purchases.
The "import charge" is now a clear line item at checkout.
Image: Screenshot
It also addresses a growing concern among South African online shoppers, which is the rise of phishing emails and SMS messages.
These scams, which often look like legitimate customs clearance notices, are now less likely to succeed as customers will have already settled all import-related fees through the official Shein platform.
By taking control of the import duty process, Shein has streamlined its operations in South Africa and created a more transparent and trustworthy environment for its customers.
This update is a welcome change for shoppers who can now browse and buy with confidence, knowing the total cost of their order from the very beginning.