HS code 8311.10 covers Coated welding electrodes (base metal) — for example coated welding electrodes. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 10%, 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 (10%) | R10,000 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R18,000 |
| Estimated landed cost | R128,000 |
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 8311.10 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8311 is “Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8311.10 Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding — this page
- 8311.20 Wire; cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding
- 8311.30 Rods and wire; coated rods and cored wire, of base metal, for soldering, brazing or welding by flame
- 8311.90 Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying; n.e.c. in item no. 8311
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 83 →
Watch HS 8311.10 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 83 — Miscellaneous articles of base metal
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on coated welding electrodes (base metal) in South Africa?
HS code 8311.10 (Coated welding electrodes (base metal)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 10% 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 coated welding electrodes?
The Harmonised System heading for coated welding electrodes (base metal) is 8311.10. 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.