HS Code 8408.20

Diesel engines for vehicles

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8408.20
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8408.20 covers Diesel engines for vehicles — for example vehicle diesel engines. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, 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 (0%)R0
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R16,500
Estimated landed costR116,500

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 8408.20 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8408 is “Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8408.10 Engines; for marine propulsion, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)
  • 8408.20 Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87 — this page
  • 8408.90 Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 87

Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 84 →

Calculate full landed cost Check anti-dumping & permits Find a clearing agent

Watch HS 8408.20 for changes

Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.

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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.

8409.91 Parts for petrol engines (pistons, valves) 0% duty + 15% VAT 8413.70 Centrifugal pumps (water pumps) 0% duty + 15% VAT 8414.51 Table, floor, wall & ceiling fans (≤125 W) 5% duty + 15% VAT 8414.80 Air compressors (other than fan/vehicle types) 0% duty + 15% VAT 8415.10 Air conditioners (window / split, self-contained) 0% duty + 15% VAT 8418.10 Combined refrigerator-freezers (domestic) 0% duty + 15% VAT

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on diesel engines for vehicles in South Africa?

HS code 8408.20 (Diesel engines for vehicles) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 0% 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 vehicle diesel engines?

The Harmonised System heading for diesel engines for vehicles is 8408.20. 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.