HS code 1604.14 covers Prepared or preserved tuna (canned) — for example canned tuna. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 30%, 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 (30%) | R30,000 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R21,000 |
| Estimated landed cost | R151,000 |
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 1604.14 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 1604 is “Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 1604.11 Fish preparations; salmon, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.12 Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.13 Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.14 Fish preparations; tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) — this page
- 1604.15 Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.16 Fish preparations; anchovies, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.17 Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.18 Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
- 1604.19 Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604
- 1604.20 Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved
- 1604.31 Fish preparations; caviar
- 1604.32 Fish preparations; caviar substitutes, prepared from fish eggs
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 16 →
Watch HS 1604.14 for changes
Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.
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.
More codes in Chapter 16 — Preparations of meat, fish & seafood
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on prepared or preserved tuna (canned) in South Africa?
HS code 1604.14 (Prepared or preserved tuna (canned)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 30% 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 canned tuna?
The Harmonised System heading for prepared or preserved tuna (canned) is 1604.14. 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.