HS code 8516.40 covers Electric smoothing irons — for example steam irons, dry irons. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 20%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Mains-powered appliances need an NRCS Letter of Authority (compulsory specification).
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 cost | R139,500 |
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 8516.40 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8516 is “Electric water, space, soil heaters; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus; hand dryers, irons; electro-thermic appliances for domestic purposes; electro heating resistors, not of heading no. 8545”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8516.10 Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters
- 8516.21 Heating apparatus; electric storage heating radiators
- 8516.29 Heating apparatus; electric soil heating apparatus and space heating apparatus (excluding storage heating radiators)
- 8516.31 Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic hair dryers 0% duty
- 8516.32 Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers
- 8516.33 Hand-drying apparatus; electro-thermic
- 8516.40 Smoothing irons; electric — this page
- 8516.50 Ovens; microwave, of a kind used for domestic purposes 0% duty
- 8516.60 Ovens, cookers, cooking plates, boiling rings, grillers and roasters; of a kind used for domestic purposes (excluding microwaves) 20% duty
- 8516.71 Electro-thermic appliances; coffee or tea makers, of a kind used for domestic purposes 20% duty
- 8516.72 Electro-thermic appliances; toasters, of a kind used for domestic purposes
- 8516.79 Electro-thermic appliances; n.e.c. in heading no. 8516, used for domestic purposes
- 8516.80 Resistors; electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545
- 8516.90 Electro-thermic appliances; parts, of heating resistors, of water, space and soil heaters, hair-dressing apparatus, hand dryers, smoothing irons and other domestic appliances of heading no. 8516
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 85 →
Watch HS 8516.40 for changes
Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.
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.
More codes in Chapter 85 — Electrical machinery & equipment
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on electric smoothing irons in South Africa?
HS code 8516.40 (Electric smoothing irons) 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 steam irons?
The Harmonised System heading for electric smoothing irons is 8516.40. 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.