HS code 3002.15 covers Immunological products (vaccines & sera) — for example vaccines, immunological products. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Free of ordinary duty; SAHPRA registration/authorisation is required.
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 3002.15 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 3002 is “Human blood; animal blood for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera, other blood fractions, immunological products, modified or obtained by biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) etc”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 3002.12 Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products; antisera and other blood fractions
- 3002.13 Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products; immunological products, unmixed, not put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale
- 3002.14 Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products; immunological products, mixed, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale
- 3002.15 Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products; immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale — this page
- 3002.41 Vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products; for human medicine
- 3002.42 Vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products; for veterinary medicine
- 3002.49 Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products; n.e.c. in item 3002.3
- 3002.51 Cell cultures, whether or not modified; cell therapy products
- 3002.59 Cell cultures, whether or not modified; other cell cultures not including cell therapy products
- 3002.90 Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 30 →
Watch HS 3002.15 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 30 — Pharmaceutical products
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on immunological products (vaccines & sera) in South Africa?
HS code 3002.15 (Immunological products (vaccines & sera)) 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 vaccines?
The Harmonised System heading for immunological products (vaccines & sera) is 3002.15. 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.