Clearing Agent Guide
How Does a Clearing Agent Submit a SAD500 With a CoC URL?
The clearing agent includes the CoC verification URL in the SAD500 (Single Administrative Document) customs declaration. The SAD500 also contains a QR code that encodes the verification URL. When the goods arrive at a South African port, the BMA officer scans the QR code, which resolves to the cofc verification page showing all CoC metadata: issuing body, issue date, HS code, SANS standards, and SHA-256 hash.
What the Clearing Agent Needs From the Importer
The Verification URL
The clearing agent needs the CoC verification URL — a permanent URL on cofc's domain in the format certificatesofconformity.co.za/v/[hash]/. The importer receives this URL after registering the CoC on cofc. The clearing agent does not need the CoC PDF itself (though the importer may share it for their records).
The importer should provide the verification URL to the clearing agent before the goods arrive at the South African port. The earlier the URL is provided, the more time the clearing agent has to include it in the SAD500 before submission.
How the URL Is Included in the SAD500
The Technical Process
The SAD500 is submitted electronically through SARS Customs's electronic data interchange (EDI) system. The clearing agent includes the CoC verification URL in the appropriate field of the SAD500. The SAD500 system generates a QR code that encodes the verification URL, which is printed on the physical SAD500 document.
The specific SAD500 field for the CoC URL is determined by the SARS Customs EDI specifications. Clearing agents who use customs software (e.g., Softline, Customs Online) should ensure their software supports the CoC URL field. Contact your clearing agent software provider for guidance.
The BMA Verification Process
QR Code Scan at the Port
When the goods arrive at a South African port, the BMA officer verifies the CoC by scanning the QR code on the SAD500. The QR code resolves to the cofc verification page, which shows all CoC metadata: issuing body, issue date, HS code, SANS standards, SHA-256 hash, and verification status.
The BMA officer does not receive or open email attachments. There is no BMA inbox for CoC PDFs. The verification is digital, automated, and URL-based. The entire verification process takes seconds.
What Happens If the URL Is Missing or Invalid
The Consequence of Non-Compliance
If the SAD500 does not contain a CoC verification URL, or if the URL does not resolve to a valid CoC record, the SAD500 will be flagged for inspection. The goods will be held at the port pending investigation by SARS Customs.
Demurrage charges accrue from the moment the goods arrive at the port. At Maersk OOG rates for Durban Container Terminal, this is ZAR 6,693 per container per day. The clearing agent should notify the importer immediately if the SAD500 is flagged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Can the clearing agent register the CoC on cofc on behalf of the importer?
The clearing agent can assist with the registration process, but the CoC must be registered on the importer's cofc account. The importer is the account holder and is responsible for compliance. The clearing agent can upload the CoC PDF and pay the minting fee on behalf of the importer if authorised to do so.
What if the importer provides the URL after the SAD500 has been submitted?
If the SAD500 has already been submitted without a CoC URL, the clearing agent may be able to amend the declaration before the goods arrive. Contact your clearing agent immediately if you have not yet provided the URL. Amendments to submitted SAD500s are subject to SARS Customs's amendment procedures.
Does the clearing agent need to verify the CoC URL before including it in the SAD500?
The clearing agent should verify that the URL resolves to a valid CoC record before including it in the SAD500. Visit the URL in a browser to confirm that the verification page shows the correct CoC metadata for the shipment.
What SAD500 field is used for the CoC URL?
The specific SAD500 field for the CoC URL is determined by the SARS Customs EDI specifications. Contact your clearing agent software provider for guidance on which field to use.
Continue Learning
Clearing Agent's Role in CoC Compliance
What clearing agents need to know.
Clearing Agent PVoC Essentials
The complete guide for clearing agents.
Where Do I Register a CoC for SA Imports?
How to get the verification URL.
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context.
What Happens If I Import Without a CoC?
The consequences of non-compliance.
Give your clearing agent the verification URL before your goods arrive.
Register on cofc, receive the permanent verification URL, and send it to your clearing agent for the SAD500.
Sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026); Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964; SARS Customs External Policy SC-CO-01-02 (effective 31 March 2026). Last verified: 3 May 2026. certificatesofconformity.co.za is an independent reference publication operated by LinkDaddy LLC, a Florida-registered US entity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the SABS, NRCS, SARS, or any agency of the Government of South Africa.