HS code 2710.12 covers Light petroleum oils (petrol / motor spirit) — for example unleaded petrol. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Fuel carries the General Fuel Levy, RAF levy and other specific levies — these dwarf any customs duty. Verify the current fuel-levy schedule.
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 cost | R116,500 |
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 2710.12 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 2710 is “Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude; preparations n.e.c, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals; these being the basic constituents of the preparations; waste oils”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 2710.12 Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not containing biodiesel, not crude, not waste oils; preparations n.e.c, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals; light oils and preparations — this page
- 2710.19 Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not containing biodiesel, not crude, not waste oils; preparations n.e.c, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals; not light oils and preparations 0% duty
- 2710.20 Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, containing biodiesel, not crude, not waste oils; preparations n.e.c, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals 11c/li duty
- 2710.91 Waste Oils; of petroleum or obtained from bituminous minerals, not crude; and preparations n.e.c., weight 70% or preparations of the same, containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
- 2710.99 Waste Oils; of petroleum or obtained from bituminous minerals, not crude and preparations n.e.c., weight 70% or preparations of the same, not containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 27 →
Watch HS 2710.12 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 27 — Mineral fuels, oils & waxes
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on light petroleum oils (petrol / motor spirit) in South Africa?
HS code 2710.12 (Light petroleum oils (petrol / motor spirit)) 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 unleaded petrol?
The Harmonised System heading for light petroleum oils (petrol / motor spirit) is 2710.12. 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.