HS code 4901.99 covers Printed books & brochures — for example printed books & textbooks. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Printed books enter free of ordinary customs duty and are zero-rated for VAT in many cases — verify the VAT treatment.
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 4901.99 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 4901 is “Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 4901.10 Printed matter; in single sheets, whether or not folded
- 4901.91 Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof
- 4901.99 Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91 — this page
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 49 →
Watch HS 4901.99 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 printed books & brochures in South Africa?
HS code 4901.99 (Printed books & brochures) 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 printed books & textbooks?
The Harmonised System heading for printed books & brochures is 4901.99. 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.