HS Code 0904.11

Pepper (whole or ground spice)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 0904.11
Statistical unit kg

HS code 0904.11 covers Pepper (whole or ground spice) — for example black & white pepper. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

Worked example: landed cost on R100,000 of goods

Customs value (CIF)R100,000
Customs duty (0%)R0
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R16,500
Estimated landed costR116,500

VAT is charged on the Added Tax Value (customs value + 10% upliftment for non-SACU imports + duties). Figures exclude clearing, freight and any anti-dumping/safeguard duty. For an exact, all-in figure use the Duty & VAT Calculator.

Where HS 0904.11 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 0904 is “Pepper of the genus piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 0904.11 Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground — this page
  • 0904.12 Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground
  • 0904.21 Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground
  • 0904.22 Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, crushed or ground

Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 09 →

Calculate full landed cost Check anti-dumping & permits Find a clearing agent

Watch HS 0904.11 for changes

Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.

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Data current as of 2026-08-06. Indicative general (MFN) rate — real duty can differ at 8-digit level, under trade agreements (SADC, EU-EPA) and by Government Gazette. This is guidance, not a tariff determination under s47(9) of the Customs & Excise Act, 1964. Verify against the current SARS Tariff Book.

0901.11 Coffee, not roasted (green beans) 0% duty + 15% VAT 0901.21 Roasted coffee (not decaffeinated) 6c/kg duty + 15% VAT 0902.30 Black tea (in packs ≤3 kg) 400c/kg duty + 15% VAT

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on pepper (whole or ground spice) in South Africa?

HS code 0904.11 (Pepper (whole or ground spice)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 0% in South Africa, plus 15% import VAT charged on the Added Tax Value. Verify the exact rate in the current SARS Tariff Book.

What is the HS code for black & white pepper?

The Harmonised System heading for pepper (whole or ground spice) is 0904.11. South Africa uses an 8-digit tariff line based on this heading — confirm the precise 8-digit code in the SARS Tariff Book before importing.