Shein customers have been fuming on the social media platform, TikTok about their orders not arriving on time.
According to The Citizen, the delay in orders arriving on time is due to a flight delay.
COULD TRUMP’S 145% HIKED DUTIES ON CHINESE GOODS THE CAUSE?
The President of the United States of America (USA) Donald Trump hiked duties on Chinese goods to 145%, which became effective on Thursday, 10 April 2025.
However, the good news is that Trump’s hiked duties might not affect orders shipped from China to South Africa.
The 145% tariff hike is on goods exported from China to the US while South Africa has its own trade agreements and regulations.
SHEIN AND SARS
It is alleged that the implementation of import tax might be the reason for the delay. SARS recently learned that Shein customers do not pay the required customs duties when ordering internationally, reported The Citizen.
In September 2024, the taxman introduced VAT, adding to the current 20% flat rate customs.
Slant Research, a Cape Town-based research and analytics company that uses data from non-traditional sources made a report on SHEIN.
The research company collected data from some of Shein’s delivery companies, Buffalo International and Meili Logistics.
The report revealed that the delivery companies also facilitate import duty and VAT payments on Shein orders.
“It is clear that Shein did not achieve the same level of market share at the end of 2024 (November, Black Friday) as it did at the end of 2023,” said Slant Research.
The new tariff policy introduced in 2024 might have also added to SHEIN’s market drop.
CUSTOMERS COMPLAINTS
Here are some complaints from Shein customers on TikTok:
Prosperity Ngobeni said: It’s been 3 weeks.
Sumea Aisha Mabusela commented: They don’t pick up calls when you are calling. They ignore WhatsApp, emails are worse.
Buhle.nkonzo said: Since 30 March what do we do?
Did you order from Shein and has your order arrived or you are still waiting? if you are waiting how long has it been?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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