HS Code 4802.56

Printing & writing paper (cut sheets)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 10%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 4802.56
Statistical unit kg

HS code 4802.56 covers Printing & writing paper (cut sheets) — for example A4 copy paper, office paper. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 10%, 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 (10%)R10,000
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R18,000
Estimated landed costR128,000

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 4802.56 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 4802 is “Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 4802.10 Hand-made paper or paperboard
  • 4802.20 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets
  • 4802.40 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); wallpaper base, in rolls or sheets
  • 4802.54 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets
  • 4802.55 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing 40g/m2 to 150g/m2, in rolls
  • 4802.56 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) — this page
  • 4802.57 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56
  • 4802.58 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing more than 150g/m2
  • 4802.61 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls
  • 4802.62 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)
  • 4802.69 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)

Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 48 →

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Watch HS 4802.56 for changes

Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.

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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 printing & writing paper (cut sheets) in South Africa?

HS code 4802.56 (Printing & writing paper (cut sheets)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 10% 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 a4 copy paper?

The Harmonised System heading for printing & writing paper (cut sheets) is 4802.56. 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.