HS Code 8531.10

Burglar & fire alarms and similar

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8531.10
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8531.10 covers Burglar & fire alarms and similar — for example burglar & fire alarm systems. 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 8531.10 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8531 is “Signalling apparatus; electric sound or visual (e.g. bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8531.10 Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530 — this page
  • 8531.20 Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530
  • 8531.80 Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530
  • 8531.90 Signalling apparatus; parts of the electric, sound or visual apparatus of heading no. 8531

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

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Watch HS 8531.10 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 burglar & fire alarms and similar in South Africa?

HS code 8531.10 (Burglar & fire alarms and similar) 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 burglar & fire alarm systems?

The Harmonised System heading for burglar & fire alarms and similar is 8531.10. 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.