HS Code 8517.13

Smartphones & cellular telephones

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8517.13
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8517.13 covers Smartphones & cellular telephones — for example iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, entry-level Android handsets. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

Most cellphones enter free of ordinary customs duty, but 15% import VAT still applies on the ATV.

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.

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

Data current as of 2026-06-01. 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) 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 8507.60 Lithium-ion accumulators (batteries) 0% duty + 15% VAT