HS 8517.62 — Import Duty 0%

General customs duty 0%

Import VAT 15%

HS heading 8517.62

Statistical unit unit

HS code 8517.62 covers Wi-Fi routers, modems & network equipment — for example Wi-Fi routers & mesh systems, LTE/5G modems, network switches. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

Radio-transmitting equipment needs ICASA type approval before sale in South Africa.

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 8517.62 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 0% duty
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 — this page
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 8517.62 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 wi-fi routers, modems & network equipment in South Africa?

HS code 8517.62 (Wi-Fi routers, modems & network equipment) 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 wi-fi routers & mesh systems?

The Harmonised System heading for wi-fi routers, modems & network equipment is 8517.62. 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.