HS Code 8502.13

Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 20%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8502.13
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8502.13 covers Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA) — for example diesel generating sets. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 20%, 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 (20%)R20,000
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R19,500
Estimated landed costR139,500

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 8502.13 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8502 is “Electric generating sets and rotary converters”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8502.11 Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output not exceeding 75kVA
  • 8502.12 Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA
  • 8502.13 Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 375kVA — this page
  • 8502.20 Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines
  • 8502.31 Electric generating sets; wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)
  • 8502.39 Electric generating sets; (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered
  • 8502.40 Electric rotary converters

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

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Watch HS 8502.13 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.

8501.10 Electric motors (≤37.5 W) 0% 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 diesel generating sets (>375 kva) in South Africa?

HS code 8502.13 (Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 20% 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 diesel generating sets?

The Harmonised System heading for diesel generating sets (>375 kva) is 8502.13. 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.