HS code 8205.40 covers Hand tools (screwdrivers, spanners & wrenches) — for example screwdriver sets, spanners, pliers. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 20%, 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 (20%) | R20,000 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R19,500 |
| Estimated landed cost | R139,500 |
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 8205.40 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8205 is “Tools, hand; (including glaziers' diamonds) n.e.c.; blow lamps; vices, clamps etc, other than accessories for and parts of, machine-tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand or pedal operated grinding wheels with frameworks”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8205.10 Tools, hand; drilling, threading or tapping tools
- 8205.20 Tools, hand; hammers and sledge hammers
- 8205.30 Tools, hand; planes, chisels, gauges and similar cutting tools for working wood
- 8205.40 Tools, hand; screwdrivers — this page
- 8205.51 Tools, hand; household tools
- 8205.59 Tools, hand; other hand tools (including glaziers diamonds), excluding household tools, drilling, threading or tapping tools, hammers and sledge hammers, planes, chisels, gouges and similar cutting tools for working wood, and screwdrivers
- 8205.60 Tools, hand; blow lamps
- 8205.70 Tools, hand; vices, clamps and the like
- 8205.90 Tools, hand; n.e.c. in heading 8205, including anvils, portable forges, hand or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks, and sets of articles of two or more of the subheadings in heading 8205
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 82 →
Watch HS 8205.40 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 82 — Tools, cutlery & implements of base metal
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on hand tools (screwdrivers, spanners & wrenches) in South Africa?
HS code 8205.40 (Hand tools (screwdrivers, spanners & wrenches)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 20% 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 screwdriver sets?
The Harmonised System heading for hand tools (screwdrivers, spanners & wrenches) is 8205.40. 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.