Vatco Consulting Services
Launch an Import/Export Business with a VAT & Customs Shelf Company
Perfect for logistics and cross-border trade — our shelf companies come fully registered with SARS VAT & Customs codes.
Providing Quality Services
with Experienced Consultants
1. Schedule A Consultation
Visit our website and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced accountants.
2. Discuss Your Financial Goals
Our team will sit down with you to discuss your financial needs and goals, and develop a customized plan to achieve them.
3. Watch Your Business Thrive
We’ll work with you to implement the plan and ensure that your business is thriving financially.
Contact us at the Vatco nearest to you or submit a business inquiry below.
What Is a Shelf Company with VAT & Customs?
This is a registered (Pty) Ltd company that comes with:
A valid VAT number from SARS
An active Customs Import/Export code
These companies are ideal for businesses wanting to:
Import or export goods from South Africa
Respond to tenders that require customs compliance
Avoid the 6–8 week customs registration delay
What’s Included in the Package?
✅ A CIPC-registered shelf company (COR14.3 & MOI)
✅ SARS-approved VAT registration
✅ SARS-issued Importer/Exporter customs code
✅ Director amendments and company name change (if needed)
✅ eFiling setup & login handover
✅ Optional: bank account, tax clearance pin, and PAYE registration
Why Choose This Type of Shelf Company?
🚚 Trade-Ready: Meet all SARS requirements for international trading
âš¡ Fast Setup: Save weeks of waiting for customs and VAT approvals
📑 Tender Qualified: Ideal for government and cross-border supply chain tenders
🧾 Full Compliance: VAT and customs documentation provided
Step-by-Step: How Vatco Delivers Your Shelf Company
Select a Company: Choose from available VAT & Customs-ready shelf companies
Update Details: We change directors, registered address, and company name (optional)
Transfer Access: You receive access to the company’s eFiling and customs code
Support: We help you activate trading or submit documents for future tenders
What Documents Are Needed?
Your ID and proof of address
Proof of company address (if different)
Signed mandate and VAT/customs declarations (we provide these)
🔗 Related Services
📄 Trusted Sources
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: Shelf Companies with VAT & Customs
Are shelf companies legal in South Africa?
Yes, shelf companies are fully legal. They are pre-registered businesses that have never traded and are maintained for resale.
What are the risks of a shelf company?
If not properly vetted, you could inherit compliance issues. That’s why Vatco only provides clean, compliant companies.
How to identify a shelf company?
It will have no trading history, an older registration number, and can be transferred to new owners through director changes.
What is the disadvantage of a shelf company?
Shelf companies may cost more than new ones, and some lenders or partners may prefer a business with trading history.
What is the difference between custom software and off-the-shelf software?
Off-the-shelf software is generic and prebuilt, while custom software is built for specific business needs. Shelf companies are similar — prebuilt but flexible.
What is e-tailing?
E-tailing refers to selling goods or services online — a common use case for businesses that use VAT & Customs-ready shelf companies for importing.
