HS code 8211.92 covers Knives with fixed blades — for example kitchen & utility knives. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 30%, 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 (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 8211.92 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8211 is “Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading no. 8208, and blades therefore”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8211.10 Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), sets of assorted articles, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208
- 8211.91 Knives; table knives, having fixed cutting blades, serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208
- 8211.92 Knives; having fixed cutting blades, (other than table knives), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208 — this page
- 8211.93 Knives; with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208
- 8211.94 Blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208
- 8211.95 Knives; with handles of base metal
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 82 →
Watch HS 8211.92 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 knives with fixed blades in South Africa?
HS code 8211.92 (Knives with fixed blades) 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 kitchen & utility knives?
The Harmonised System heading for knives with fixed blades is 8211.92. 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.