Daigon International - Clearing and Forwarding Agent

Daigon International: Our Journey, Our Vision, Our Commitment

The Definitive Profile of South Africa’s Leading Customs Clearing and Freight Forwarding Agent

The Daigon Story: Founded on Expertise, Driven by Service Excellence

Daigon International is not just a logistics provider; we are the dedicated architects of transport and compliance, ensuring the seamless flow of goods across South African borders and around the globe. Founded in the **21st century** and strategically headquartered near the logistical nerve centre of **O.R. Tambo International Airport** in Johannesburg, Daigon has rapidly established itself as a leading and reliable **Customs Clearing and Freight Forwarding Agent**.

Our inception was rooted in recognizing a critical need within the South African logistics landscape: a partner that could offer sophisticated, high-quality, and personalized services tailored to the unique challenges of the local market, while maintaining a competitive edge through global efficiency. From our earliest operations, we made a conscious decision to be a full-service entity, specializing in **Air Freight Forwarding, Sea Freight Forwarding, Customs Clearance, and comprehensive Warehousing** in South Africa’s three economic capitals: **Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town**.

Our Guiding Philosophy: “Nothing is impossible with the right attitude.”

This slogan is more than just words; it defines our operational culture. It speaks to our proactive approach to problem-solving, our agility in the face of port congestion or regulatory changes, and our deep commitment to finding a solution for every client, regardless of the cargo’s complexity or urgency. Whether it is an urgent express air consignment, a complex project cargo shipment, or a sensitive personal effects clearance, our attitude is the first tool we deploy.

Daigon’s team is a carefully selected collective of professionals, comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds in management, shipping, sales, and transportation. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that every aspect of the supply chain—from regulatory compliance to financial viability and physical movement—is expertly managed. Our main focus has always been, and remains, delivering a consistently high quality of service to build enduring, trusting relationships with every client, whether a private individual, a small enterprise, or a large international importer.

Our Core Identity: Vision, Mission, and the Values That Drive Compliance

Daigon’s Vision

Our vision is to be the most professional and highly respected customs clearing and freight forwarding company in Southern Africa. We strive to be recognized not only for our size and capabilities but for the precision of our compliance, the efficiency of our service delivery, and the integrity of our partnership with every stakeholder in the global supply chain.

Daigon’s Mission

Our mission is to provide our valued customers with the highest level of comprehensive service in freight forwarding, customs clearance, and transportation through our local offices and robust global network. By consistently applying sound knowledge and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to eliminate logistical hurdles, reduce supply chain costs, and ensure guaranteed peace of mind as we deliver goods safely, securely, and in full compliance with all South African and international regulations.

The Pillars of Daigon: Our Non-Negotiable Core Values

In a sector defined by intricate laws and immense financial risk, our values are the bedrock of our operations. They guide every decision, from tariff classification to final delivery:

1. Integrity and Trust

We adhere to the highest standards of ethics and personal responsibility, ensuring every transaction is transparent and every declaration to SARS is accurate. Trust is the most valuable commodity we handle, and we earn it daily by being honest and reliable in all dealings, promoting a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance.

2. Compliance Excellence (Legal Acumen)

Our commitment is to be “one step ahead” of constantly changing customs regulations. We scrutinize all updated rules as published by SARS to ensure our clients receive the best advice and support needed. This proactive approach ensures efficient service with minimal delays, as all paperwork and documentation are completed correctly the first time.Our specialized personnel stay informed on complex schedules (Schedule 1 for duties, Schedule 2 for Anti-dumping) and mandatory permits (NRCS, ITAC).

3. Speed and Punctuality

In logistics, time is money—particularly with air freight and at congested sea ports like Durban. We pride ourselves on punctuality and a reliable service that minimizes costly delays, such as demurrage and detention. Our EDI connectivity ensures immediate electronic transmission and fast Customs Clearance of shipments arriving at ports of entry nationwide.

4. Personalized Partnership

We apply the same high level of service to all our clients, regardless of size. Our customer-centric approach means we take the time to understand each client’s unique business, whether it’s managing project cargo, handling specialized hazardous goods, or simply clearing personal household effects. We strive to be a trusted extension of your business.

Our Expertise: Masters of Intermodal and Specialized Cargo Logistics

Daigon International offers a full complement of services, distinguishing itself through specialization and the ability to integrate diverse transport modes into a single, cohesive supply chain solution.

A. Air Freight Forwarding: Speed and Precision

Daigon Airfreight is a major division focusing on both worldwide and domestic airfreight movement. Recognizing the time-sensitive nature of air cargo, our service models are designed for maximum velocity at O.R. Tambo International Airport:

**Consolidation Airfreight:** Offering a cheaper air option by consolidating smaller shipments, providing cost savings without sacrificing air transit reliability.
**Express Airfreight:** Dedicated services for urgent parcels and critical spares, ensuring door-to-door delivery with the highest priority.
**Charter Services:** When commercial carriers cannot meet capacity or schedule requirements, we arrange full or part charters, providing absolute control for specialized cargo.

**Key Air Cargo Expertise:** Handling AOG (Aircraft On Ground) shipments, dangerous goods, and time-sensitive documents, always ensuring the correct Air Waybill (AWB) procedures and immediate electronic submission of declarations to facilitate prompt release from JNB cargo terminals.

B. Ocean Freight Forwarding: Volume and Reliability

Daigon Ocean Freight offers a total logistic and complete intermodal transportation system, managing the backbone of global trade. Our services cover all major trade lanes, ensuring robust connections for large-volume shipments into and out of the key South African ports of Durban and Cape Town:

**Full Container Loads (FCL):** Direct, dedicated container movements offering importers maximum control and security.
**Less Than Container Loads (LCL) / Groupage:** Cost-effective solutions for smaller shippers, managing cargo consolidation and de-grouping with efficiency.
**Project Cargo:** Specialized logistics management for non-containerized, heavy, or abnormal sea freight.

Our strong relationships with major international shipping lines ensure we can negotiate competitive rates and reliable, efficient services at all times, mitigating the risks associated with port congestion and schedule slippages.

C. Road Freight & Cross-Border Logistics

Completing the supply chain, our Road Freight division ensures seamless inland transport and crucial cross-border movements within the Southern and Central African regions. We offer various integrated services, providing cost-effective transport and logistics system solutions from port to final warehouse. This includes:

**Local Courier Services:** For swift, local handling of urgent documents and parcels.
**Cross-Border Roadfreight and Clearance:** Specialized personnel who can assist with the complexities of regional customs clearing (e.g., shipments into Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, etc.), ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
**Inland Haulage:** Critical transport linking sea freight arrivals in Durban and Cape Town to the industrial heartland of Gauteng.

D. Specialized and Niche Cargo Clearance

We pride ourselves on tackling shipments most agents avoid:

**Personal and Household Effects:** We specialize in the complex clearance of these goods, guiding private individuals through the specific DA304 form and usage requirements to qualify for duty and VAT exemptions.
**Hazardous and Abnormal Cargo:** Expertise in handling dangerous goods, managing the specific permits, routing, and packaging/crating requirements.
**Letter of Credit Shipments:** Professional management of the precise documentary requirements needed to satisfy banking mandates and ensure timely payment to exporters.

The Daigon Footprint: Local Strength, Global Reach

While Daigon is a privately owned South African company, our operational reach is global. We leverage a robust network of international partners and strategic affiliations to offer end-to-end supply chain solutions worldwide. This global structure allows us to offer **local expertise with global solutions**, ensuring that whether your cargo is moving from Shanghai to Johannesburg or exporting machinery to Europe, the process remains under our integrated control.

Strategic Hubs in South Africa:

1. Johannesburg (Gauteng – O.R. Tambo International)

Our headquarters and primary air freight hub is strategically based near O.R. Tambo (JNB) in Isando/Kempton Park. This allows us to provide immediate 24-hour dock supervision for air freight and direct access to all major depots. Our focus here is speed, precision, and handling the bulk of inbound air and inland road freight. We are the **Clearing Agent Johannesburg** relies on for urgent cargo.

2. Durban (KwaZulu-Natal – Port of Durban)

As the gateway to Southern Africa and the busiest container port in the region, Durban demands specialized sea freight expertise. Our presence here is dedicated to managing high-volume FCL and LCL imports, proactively addressing issues like terminal congestion, and managing carrier-imposed charges (demurrage/detention). Our close ties with Transnet and shipping lines are vital for efficient vessel turnaround.

3. Cape Town (Western Cape – Cape Town International & Port)

Cape Town serves as a critical node for specialized trade, including perishables, wine, and high-tech exports. Our team in Cape Town manages both sea freight and air freight, with expertise in handling specific government releases (PPECB inspections and State Vet releases for perishable cargo) common to this region.

The Power of Our Worldwide Network

Our commitment to global reach is demonstrated through our strong partnership agreements and memberships in recognized international freight forwarding networks. This affiliation allows us to:

**Offer Door-to-Door Service:** Facilitating collections and deliveries across continents, simplifying the logistics process for our clients.
**Secure Competitive Rates:** Leveraging strong buying power with reputable airlines and shipping lines globally.
**Ensure Reliability:** Working with vetted, high-quality international partners who share Daigon’s commitment to service excellence.

By connecting these local South African hubs with a trusted international network, Daigon eliminates the typical fragmentation of the global supply chain, providing a true single-point-of-contact service for importers and exporters alike.

Technology, Compliance and the Future of Logistics with Daigon

Cutting-Edge Technology in Customs Clearing

In the modern logistics era, efficiency is inextricably linked to technology. Daigon International uses the latest technology for electronic data transmission (EDI) linked directly to SARS Customs. This capability is foundational to our claim as a **Best Clearing and Forwarding Agent** because it allows for:

**Real-Time Status Updates:** Immediate notifications from SARS and terminal operators regarding customs release, holds, or inspections.
**Pre-Clearance Capability:** Lodging the SAD 500 Goods Declaration well in advance of cargo arrival (pre-arrival), which is crucial for reducing dwell time at congested ports.
**Accurate Documentation:** Electronic systems that enforce data integrity, minimizing the risk of human error that can lead to costly documentary stops.

Managing the Regulatory Maze: SARS and Other Government Agencies

Our role extends far beyond basic declaration. We are experts in compliance consulting, ensuring our clients’ transactions are audit-proof. We manage complex regulatory interfaces daily:

**CBCU (Customs Border Control Unit) Stops:** Proactively addressing detains related to under-declaration of value, misclassification, or counterfeiting concerns, which can significantly delay cargo release.
**Permit & Licence Requirements:** We assist clients in navigating the requirements of various government departments, including ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission), NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications) for electrical goods, and health/agriculture departments for restricted goods.
**Tariff & Rebate Audits:** Providing consultancy services to ensure the correct **Harmonized System (HS) Codes** are used, potentially leveraging trade agreements (like SADC or AfCFTA) to optimize duty and tax payments while ensuring legal compliance.

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The freight industry is constantly evolving, driven by geopolitical changes, technological advancements, and new trade agreements. Daigon is committed to continuous improvement through:

**Staff Development:** Investing in the ongoing training and upskilling of our professional family, ensuring our customs entry clerks and logistics managers remain experts in their respective fields.
**Infrastructure Investment:** Continuously optimizing our warehousing facilities and internal vehicle fleet to ensure safety, security, and efficiency in cargo handling.
**Sustainability:** Implementing processes that strive for optimal route planning and minimized environmental impact in our road freight and air charter operations.

This dedication to being one step ahead is the true value we bring to the supply chain. We don’t just react to border challenges; we anticipate, mitigate, and resolve them, all while upholding the highest level of integrity with our clients and all governmental agencies.

Partnering with Daigon: Your Logistics Solution for the 21st Century

In a world of complex trade routes, shifting tariffs, and critical deadlines, the choice of your customs clearing and freight forwarding agent determines the success of your business in international markets. Daigon International is positioned not just as a service provider, but as a strategic partner committed to your growth and compliance.

Our specialized expertise in handling various types of cargo—including general, personal/household effects, hazardous, and abnormal shipments—combined with our deep, functional knowledge of South African Customs procedures, sets us apart. We believe that by understanding our clients’ niche markets and individual needs, we can deliver solutions that are not only efficient but truly transformative to their bottom line.

We invite you to experience the high-quality service provided by a company where dedication and energy run through the lifeblood of the organization. From our drivers to our management, every individual at Daigon is committed to excellence and the spirit of our guiding philosophy. We are flexible, innovative, and decisive, always thinking outside the box to seek the best solutions for our customers.

Whether you are planning your first import into the Port of Durban, managing regular air shipments through O.R. Tambo, or navigating complex cross-border road freight into Africa, Daigon is ready to apply its expertise to your logistical challenges.

Take the next step towards a seamless supply chain. Partner with Daigon International and let us prove that: **”Nothing is impossible with the right attitude.”**

Contact Daigon Today to Discuss Your Import and Export Requirements.

We offer specialized personnel, comprehensive logistics services, and a guarantee of commitment to your shipping needs.