HS 8504.40 — Import Duty 0%

General customs duty 0%

Import VAT 15%

HS heading 8504.40

Statistical unit unit

HS code 8504.40 covers Static converters — chargers, adapters & inverters — for example phone/laptop chargers, solar inverters, UPS units. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

Solar inverters are a high-volume SA import — verify the precise 8-digit subheading.

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 8504.40 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8504 is “Electric transformers, static converters (e.g. rectifiers) and inductors”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

8504.10 Discharge lamps or tubes; ballasts therefor
8504.21 Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity not exceeding 650kVA
8504.22 Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 650kVA but not exceeding 10,000kVA
8504.23 Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVA
8504.31 Electrical transformers; n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity not exceeding 1kVA
8504.32 Transformers; n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 1kVA but not exceeding 16kVA
8504.33 Transformers; n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 16kVA but not exceeding 500kVA
8504.34 Transformers; n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 500kVA
8504.40 Electrical static converters — this page
8504.50 Electrical inductors; n.e.c. in heading no. 8504
8504.90 Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors; parts thereof

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

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

Watch HS 8504.40 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 8502.13 Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA) 20% 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 static converters — chargers, adapters & inverters in South Africa?

HS code 8504.40 (Static converters — chargers, adapters & inverters) 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 phone/laptop chargers?

The Harmonised System heading for static converters — chargers, adapters & inverters is 8504.40. 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.