HS Code 4820.10

Notebooks, registers & exercise books

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 15%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 4820.10
Statistical unit unit

HS code 4820.10 covers Notebooks, registers & exercise books — for example exercise books, notebooks, diaries. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 15%, 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 (15%)R15,000
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R18,750
Estimated landed costR133,750

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 4820.10 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 4820 is “Registers, account books, diaries and similar; albums for samples or collections, of paper or paperboard”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 4820.10 Paper and paperboard; registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles — this page
  • 4820.20 Paper and paperboard; exercise books
  • 4820.30 Paper and paperboard; binders, folders and file covers
  • 4820.40 Paper and paperboard; manifold business forms and interleaved carbon sets
  • 4820.50 Paper and paperboard; albums for samples or for collections
  • 4820.90 Paper or paperboard; stationery n.e.c. in heading no. 4820

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

Calculate full landed cost Check anti-dumping & permits Find a clearing agent

Watch HS 4820.10 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.

4802.56 Printing & writing paper (cut sheets) 10% duty + 15% VAT 4818.10 Toilet paper 20% duty + 15% VAT 4819.10 Corrugated cartons, boxes & paper packaging 10% duty + 15% VAT 4819.20 Folding cartons & boxes of paperboard 10% duty + 15% VAT

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on notebooks, registers & exercise books in South Africa?

HS code 4820.10 (Notebooks, registers & exercise books) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 15% 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 exercise books?

The Harmonised System heading for notebooks, registers & exercise books is 4820.10. 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.