HS Code 8508.11

Vacuum cleaners (≤1500 W)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8508.11
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8508.11 covers Vacuum cleaners (≤1500 W) — for example upright vacuums, cordless stick vacuums. 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 8508.11 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8508 is “Vacuum cleaners”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8508.11 Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20L — this page
  • 8508.19 Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, n.e.c. in item no. 8508.1
  • 8508.60 Vacuum cleaners, other than with a self-contained electric motor
  • 8508.70 Parts of vacuum cleaners

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 8508.11 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 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on vacuum cleaners (≤1500 w) in South Africa?

HS code 8508.11 (Vacuum cleaners (≤1500 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 upright vacuums?

The Harmonised System heading for vacuum cleaners (≤1500 w) is 8508.11. 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.