HS Code 8501.10

Electric motors (≤37.5 W)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8501.10
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8501.10 covers Electric motors (≤37.5 W) — for example small electric motors. 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 8501.10 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8501 is “Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8501.10 Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W — this page
  • 8501.20 Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W
  • 8501.31 Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W
  • 8501.32 Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
  • 8501.33 Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 375kW
  • 8501.34 Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 375kW
  • 8501.40 Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase
  • 8501.51 Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W
  • 8501.52 Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
  • 8501.53 Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 75kW
  • 8501.61 Generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output not exceeding 75kVA
  • 8501.62 Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA
  • 8501.63 Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA
  • 8501.64 Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 750kVA
  • 8501.71 Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output not exceeding 50W
  • 8501.72 Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W
  • 8501.80 Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators)

Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 85 →

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Watch HS 8501.10 for changes

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

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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.

8502.13 Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA) 20% duty + 15% VAT 8504.40 Static converters — chargers, adapters & inverters 0% duty + 15% VAT 8506.10 Primary cells & batteries (manganese dioxide) 20% duty + 15% VAT 8507.10 Lead-acid accumulators (vehicle starter batteries) 15% duty + 15% VAT 8507.20 Lead-acid batteries, deep-cycle (solar / backup) 0% duty + 15% VAT 8507.60 Lithium-ion accumulators (batteries) 0% duty + 15% VAT

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on electric motors (≤37.5 w) in South Africa?

HS code 8501.10 (Electric motors (≤37.5 W)) 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 small electric motors?

The Harmonised System heading for electric motors (≤37.5 w) is 8501.10. 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.