HS 8471.50 — Import Duty 0%

General customs duty 0%

Import VAT 15%

HS heading 8471.50

Statistical unit unit

HS code 8471.50 covers Desktop computers & processing units — for example desktop PCs, mini PCs, rack servers. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

Free of ordinary duty; 15% import VAT applies.

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 cost	R116,500

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 8471.50 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8471 is “Automatic data processing machines and units thereof, magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

8471.30 Automatic data processing machines; portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display 0% duty
8471.41 Automatic data processing machines; comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30
8471.49 Automatic data processing machines; presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41
8471.50 Units of automatic data processing machines; processing units other than those of item no. 8471.41 or 8471.49, whether or not containing in the same housing one or two of the following types of unit: storage units, input units or output units — this page
8471.60 Units of automatic data processing machines; input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing 0% duty
8471.70 Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units
8471.80 Units of automatic data processing machines; n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50, 8471.60 or 8471.70
8471.90 Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included

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

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Watch HS 8471.50 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 desktop computers & processing units in South Africa?

HS code 8471.50 (Desktop computers & processing units) 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 desktop pcs?

The Harmonised System heading for desktop computers & processing units is 8471.50. 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.