HS code 2836.20 covers Soda ash (disodium carbonate) — for example dense & light soda ash, glass-making soda ash, detergent-grade sodium carbonate. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 5.5%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Duty-free as ordinary duty, but US-origin soda ash carries an anti-dumping duty — check your origin in the Import Risk Checker.
Worked example: landed cost on R100,000 of goods
| Customs value (CIF) | R100,000 |
| Customs duty (5.5%) | R5,500 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R17,325 |
| Estimated landed cost | R122,825 |
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 2836.20 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 2836 is “Carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 2836.20 Carbonates; disodium carbonate — this page
- 2836.30 Carbonates; sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate)
- 2836.40 Carbonates; potassium carbonate
- 2836.50 Carbonates; calcium carbonate
- 2836.60 Carbonates; barium carbonate
- 2836.91 Carbonates; lithium carbonate
- 2836.92 Carbonates; strontium carbonate
- 2836.99 Carbonates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 28 →
Watch HS 2836.20 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on soda ash (disodium carbonate) in South Africa?
HS code 2836.20 (Soda ash (disodium carbonate)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 5.5% 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 dense & light soda ash?
The Harmonised System heading for soda ash (disodium carbonate) is 2836.20. 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.