SA Fashion Export: Sell Globally (Free Guide)

By Katapila Kakkun | November, 2025 | Fashion
South African fashion export to global markets

From Tsakane to Tokyo — export your fashion brand.

“Your township design can hang in London, Paris, or New York — here’s how.”

South African streetwear, beadwork, and shweshwe are hot globally. In 2025, **Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Shopify** make export easy. No big budget, no agent — just a laptop, DHL, and PayPal. This **free guide** walks you through setup, shipping, customs, and your first international sale.

3 Export Paths (Pick One)

1

Etsy (Handmade Focus)

90M buyers. List in USD. Perfect for beaded bags, vinyl tees, custom caps.

2

Amazon Handmade

Premium artisan section. FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) available in EU/USA.

3

Shopify + DHL

Your own .co.za store. Full control. Ship with DHL Express.

Step-by-Step Setup (7 Days)

  1. Day 1: Register Business
    Sole prop at CIPC (free) or use personal name. Get SARS tax number.
  2. Day 2: Open PayPal Business
    paypal.com/za → Link FNB/Nedbank. Withdraw to SA bank in 3 days.
  3. Day 3: Set Up Platform
    Etsy: R0.20/listing. Amazon: Apply to Handmade. Shopify: R29/month (ZA plan).
  4. Day 4: Product Photos & Listings
    5+ images, white background. Titles: “Handmade Shweshwe Tote Bag – South African Design”. Price in USD (R250 → $15).
  5. Day 5: Shipping & Customs
    Use DHL Express (R350–R600 to USA). Include commercial invoice (template below). HS Code: 4202.22 (handbags).
  6. Day 6: Go Live
    Share on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest. Use #SouthAfricanFashion #HandmadeInSA.
  7. Day 7: First Sale
    Pack in branded sleeve + thank you card. Drop at DHL depot.

Shipping & Costs (2025)

Destination DHL Cost Delivery
USA R450–R650 3–5 days
UK/EU R500–R700 4–6 days
Australia R600–R800 5–7 days

Profit Example: Beaded Clutch

Cost: R180 (materials + labor)
Sell: $45 (R810)
Shipping: R550 (charge customer $35)
Platform fee: 6.5% (R53)
Profit: R810 - R180 - R550 + R630 - R53 = R657 profit

Mzansi Export Hacks

  • Use Shopify ZA + PayFast for local payments, PayPal for global.
  • Offer free shipping over $100 — build into price.
  • Include certificate of authenticity — “Handmade in South Africa”.
  • List in USD, EUR, GBP — auto-convert on Etsy/Shopify.
  • Use DHL On Demand — pickup from home (R50 extra).

“One export sale = 5 local sales. Scale globally.”

Case Study: Tsakane Streetwear Goes Global

Started with 10 vinyl tees on Etsy. First month: 28 sales to USA, UK, Germany → R42,000 revenue. Now ships 200+ units/month.

“DHL pickup, PayPal payout — easier than selling at the taxi rank.”

Free Resources

Final Checklist

Start Selling on Etsy (Free)