HS code 8215.20 covers Cutlery sets (spoons, forks & knives) — for example cutlery sets, flatware. 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 8215.20 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8215 is “Cutlery; spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar kitchen or tableware”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8215.10 Cutlery; sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs and similar), with at least one article plated with precious metal
- 8215.20 Cutlery; sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar), not plated with precious metal — this page
- 8215.91 Cutlery; (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs and similar), plated with precious metal, not in sets
- 8215.99 Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal 30% duty
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 82 →
Watch HS 8215.20 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 cutlery sets (spoons, forks & knives) in South Africa?
HS code 8215.20 (Cutlery sets (spoons, forks & knives)) 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 cutlery sets?
The Harmonised System heading for cutlery sets (spoons, forks & knives) is 8215.20. 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.