HS Code 8512.20

Electrical lighting & signalling for vehicles

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 15%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8512.20
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8512.20 covers Electrical lighting & signalling for vehicles — for example headlamps, indicators, tail lights. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 15%, 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 (15%)R15,000
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R18,750
Estimated landed costR133,750

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 8512.20 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8512 is “Lighting or visual signalling equipment (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8512.10 Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on bicycles, excluding articles of heading no. 8539
  • 8512.20 Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539) — this page
  • 8512.30 Sound signalling equipment; electrical, used on cycles or motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)
  • 8512.40 Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles
  • 8512.90 Lighting or signalling equipment; electrical, (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; parts, of those kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles

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

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Watch HS 8512.20 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 electrical lighting & signalling for vehicles in South Africa?

HS code 8512.20 (Electrical lighting & signalling for vehicles) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 15% 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 headlamps?

The Harmonised System heading for electrical lighting & signalling for vehicles is 8512.20. 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.