On this page
AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) is a free trade agreement between African nations. South Africa is a member. If you import from other African countries (Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, etc.), you may qualify for duty reductions of 10–40% compared to normal rates.
But claiming the reduction requires specific documentation and compliance with "rules of origin" — essentially, the product must be made in Africa, not just shipped from Africa.
Important: AfCFTA tariff cuts are being phased in gradually under agreed schedules, not applied as blanket duty-free overnight. South Africa only began trading preferentially under AfCFTA in 2024, and many tariff lines remain on phase-down, sensitive or exclusion lists. The example rates below are illustrative — always confirm the current AfCFTA rate for your specific product and origin country against the SARS schedule before relying on it.
What's duty reduction under AfCFTA?
| Scenario | Normal duty | AfCFTA duty | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apparel from Kenya | 45% | 0% (aspirational — verify current schedule with SARS before importing) | Up to R45,000 saving on R100k CIF if 0% confirmed |
| Steel from Egypt | 10% | 0% (verify current schedule with SARS) | Up to R10,000 on R100k CIF if 0% confirmed |
| Chocolate from Ghana | 30% | 5% (verify current schedule with SARS) | Up to R25,000 on R100k CIF if confirmed |
What qualifies for AfCFTA reduction?
Key requirement: The product must originate in an AfCFTA member country. This means either:
- 100% made in that country (raw materials sourced and processed in-country), OR
- Made from materials sourced in Africa (meets "rules of origin" threshold)
What doesn't qualify: Chinese goods shipped through Nairobi. Or Indian raw materials processed in Ghana — unless the Ghana processing adds enough value.
How to claim AfCFTA reduction
- Get a Certificate of Origin (C/O) from the exporting country. The supplier's Chamber of Commerce issues this. It certifies the product is made in their country and qualifies under AfCFTA.
- Submit the C/O with your SARS import entry. When you file customs clearance, include the C/O copy. SARS will verify it's genuine.
- SARS applies the reduced duty rate. Your duty bill will reflect the AfCFTA rate, not the general rate.
- Keep the original C/O for your records. SARS audits import entries; proof of origin must be available.
Timeline: Getting a C/O takes 2–6 weeks. Order it at the same time you place your product order, or you'll be delayed.
Common mistakes claiming AfCFTA
AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa-based imports
Importing from Kenya, Nigeria, or Ghana just got cheaper if you claim the reduction. Plan ahead for the C/O timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What is AfCFTA and how much duty can it save?
The African Continental Free Trade Area is a free trade agreement between African nations; South Africa began trading preferentially under it in 2024. Savings depend entirely on the phase-down schedule for your product and origin country — many tariff lines are still phasing down or sit on sensitive/exclusion lists — so always confirm the current AfCFTA rate against the SARS schedule before relying on it.
What qualifies for AfCFTA preferential rates?
The product must originate in an AfCFTA member country under the rules of origin: either wholly produced there, or with sufficient African value added — generally 40–60% of the product's value depending on the category. Chinese goods trans-shipped through Nairobi do not qualify.
How do I claim the AfCFTA rate on a South African import?
Get a Certificate of Origin from the exporting country (the supplier's Chamber of Commerce issues it — allow 2–6 weeks, so order it with the goods), submit it with your SARS import entry, and keep the original on file for audit. Without it SARS charges the general rate.
Why do AfCFTA claims get rejected?
No Certificate of Origin, a falsified certificate (SARS catches these — penalties and blacklisting follow), or an expired one: AfCFTA certificates have limited validity, commonly up to 12 months, so check the expiry before submitting.