HS code 5703 covers Tufted carpets of nylon / polyamide — for example tufted nylon carpets & rugs. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 30%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
HS 2022 replaced 5703.20 with 5703.21 and 5703.29 for nylon / polyamide tufted carpets — pick the one matching your make-up before you clear.
Worked example: landed cost on R100,000 of goods
| Customs value (CIF) | R100,000 |
| Customs duty (30%) | R30,000 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R21,000 |
| Estimated landed cost | R151,000 |
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 5703 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 5703 is “Carpets and other textile floor coverings (including turf); tufted, whether or not made up”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 5703.10 Carpets and other textile floor coverings (including turf); tufted, of wool or fine animal hair, whether or not made up
- 5703.21 Carpets and other textile floor coverings; tufted, of nylon or other polyamides, whether or not made up
- 5703.29 Carpets; tufted, of nylon or other polyamides, whether or not made up
- 5703.31 Carpets and other textile floor coverings; tufted, of other man-made textile materials (other than polyamides), whether or not made up
- 5703.39 Carpets; tufted, of man-made textile materials (other than polyamides), whether of not made up
- 5703.90 Carpets and other textile floor coverings; tufted, of textile materials (other than man-made, wool or fine animal hair), whether or not made up
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 57 →
Watch HS 5703 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 tufted carpets of nylon / polyamide in South Africa?
HS code 5703 (Tufted carpets of nylon / polyamide) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 30% 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 tufted nylon carpets & rugs?
The Harmonised System heading for tufted carpets of nylon / polyamide is 5703. 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.