HS Code 8421.21

Machinery for filtering or purifying water

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8421.21
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8421.21 covers Machinery for filtering or purifying water — for example RO systems, water purifiers, filtration units. 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 8421.21 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8421 is “Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8421.11 Centrifuges; cream separators
  • 8421.12 Centrifuges; clothes-dryers
  • 8421.19 Centrifuges; n.e.c. in heading no. 8421, including centrifugal dryers (but not clothes-dryers)
  • 8421.21 Machinery; for filtering or purifying water — this page
  • 8421.22 Machinery; for filtering or purifying beverages other than water
  • 8421.23 Machinery; filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines
  • 8421.29 Machinery; for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2
  • 8421.31 Machinery; intake air filters for internal combustion engines
  • 8421.32 Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines
  • 8421.39 Machinery; for filtering or purifying gases, other than intake air filters, catalytic converters or particulate filters for internal combustion engines
  • 8421.91 Centrifuges; parts thereof, including parts for centrifugal dryers
  • 8421.99 Machinery; parts for filtering or purifying liquids or gases

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 8421.21 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.

8408.20 Diesel engines for vehicles 0% duty + 15% VAT 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on machinery for filtering or purifying water in South Africa?

HS code 8421.21 (Machinery for filtering or purifying water) 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 ro systems?

The Harmonised System heading for machinery for filtering or purifying water is 8421.21. 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.