HS 8517.13 — Import Duty 0%

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 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 8517.13 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8517 is “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular/wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), excluding items of 8443, 8525, 8527, or 8528”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

8517.11 Line telephone sets with cordless handsets
8517.13 Telephone sets; smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks — this page
8517.14 Telephone sets; other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks
8517.18 Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1
8517.61 Base stations
8517.62 Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus 0% duty
8517.69 Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6
8517.71 Communication apparatus; parts, aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds, part suitable for use therewith
8517.79 Communication apparatus; parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds

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

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Watch HS 8517.13 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 smartphones & cellular telephones in South Africa?

HS code 8517.13 (Smartphones & cellular telephones) 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 iphones?

The Harmonised System heading for smartphones & cellular telephones is 8517.13. 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.