HS code 6115.96 covers Socks & hosiery of synthetic fibres — for example socks, stockings & tights. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 40%, 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 (40%) | R40,000 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R22,500 |
| Estimated landed cost | R162,500 |
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 6115.96 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 6115 is “Hosiery; panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins) and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 6115.10 Graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins), knitted or crocheted
- 6115.21 Hosiery; panty hose and tights (other than graduated compression hosiery), of synthetic fibres, measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex, knitted or crocheted
- 6115.22 Hosiery; panty hose and tights (other than graduated compression hosiery), of synthetic fibres, measuring per single yarn 67 decitex or more, knitted or crocheted
- 6115.29 Hosiery; panty hose and tights (other than graduated compression hosiery), of textile materials (other than synthetic fibres), knitted or crocheted
- 6115.30 Hosiery; women's, full-length or knee-length (other than graduated compression hosiery), measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex, knitted or crocheted
- 6115.94 Hosiery and footwear; without applied soles, of wool or fine animal hair, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, women's full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex)
- 6115.95 Hosiery and footwear; without applied soles, of cotton, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex)
- 6115.96 Hosiery and footwear; without applied soles, of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex) — this page
- 6115.99 Hosiery and footwear; without applied soles, of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6115.9, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex)
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 61 →
Watch HS 6115.96 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.
More codes in Chapter 61 — Apparel & clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on socks & hosiery of synthetic fibres in South Africa?
HS code 6115.96 (Socks & hosiery of synthetic fibres) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 40% 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 socks?
The Harmonised System heading for socks & hosiery of synthetic fibres is 6115.96. 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.