HS Code 8523.51

Solid-state storage (USB drives & memory cards)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8523.51
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8523.51 covers Solid-state storage (USB drives & memory cards) — for example USB flash drives, SD/microSD cards. 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 8523.51 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8523 is “Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, smart cards and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, excluding products of Chapter 37”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8523.21 Magnetic media; cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
  • 8523.29 Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
  • 8523.41 Optical media; unrecorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
  • 8523.49 Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
  • 8523.51 Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37 — this page
  • 8523.52 Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
  • 8523.59 Semiconductor media; other than smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
  • 8523.80 Media n.e.c. in heading 8523, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37

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

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Watch HS 8523.51 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 solid-state storage (usb drives & memory cards) in South Africa?

HS code 8523.51 (Solid-state storage (USB drives & memory cards)) 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 usb flash drives?

The Harmonised System heading for solid-state storage (usb drives & memory cards) is 8523.51. 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.