HS code 3808.91 covers Insecticides (put up for retail) — for example insecticides, pest-control sprays. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Agricultural remedies must be registered under Act 36 of 1947 before importing.
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 3808.91 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 3808 is “Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators, disinfectants and the like, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 3808.52 Insecticides and the like; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter; for retail sale or as preparations or articles; DDT (ISO) (clofenotane (INN)), in packings of 300g or less
- 3808.59 Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants, herbicides and the like; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter; not DDT (ISO) (clofenotane (INN)), put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles
- 3808.61 Insecticides and the like; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter; in packings of a net weight content not exceeding 300g; for retail sale or as preparations or articles
- 3808.62 Insecticides; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles, in packings of a net weight content exceeding 300g but not exceeding 7.5kg
- 3808.69 Insecticides; containing goods named in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles, in packings of a net weight content exceeding 7.5kg
- 3808.91 Insecticides; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles — this page
- 3808.92 Fungicides; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles
- 3808.93 Herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators; other than containing goods of Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles
- 3808.94 Disinfectants; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles
- 3808.99 Rodenticides and other similar products n.e.c. in heading no. 3808.9; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 38 →
Watch HS 3808.91 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 insecticides (put up for retail) in South Africa?
HS code 3808.91 (Insecticides (put up for retail)) 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 insecticides?
The Harmonised System heading for insecticides (put up for retail) is 3808.91. 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.