HS Code 8518.30

Headphones & earphones

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8518.30
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8518.30 covers Headphones & earphones — for example wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones, headsets. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, 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 (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.

Where HS 8518.30 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8518 is “Microphones and their stands; loudspeakers, mounted or not in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, combined or not with a microphone, and sets of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency and electric sound amplifiers and sets”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8518.10 Microphones and stands therefor
  • 8518.21 Loudspeakers; single, mounted in their enclosures
  • 8518.22 Loudspeakers; multiple, mounted in the same enclosure 0% duty
  • 8518.29 Loudspeakers; not mounted in their enclosures
  • 8518.30 Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers — this page
  • 8518.40 Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric
  • 8518.50 Amplifier sets; electric sound
  • 8518.90 Microphones, headphones, earphones, amplifier equipment; parts of the equipment of heading no. 8518

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

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Watch HS 8518.30 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 headphones & earphones in South Africa?

HS code 8518.30 (Headphones & earphones) 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 wireless earbuds?

The Harmonised System heading for headphones & earphones is 8518.30. 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.