HS Code 8537.10

Electrical control & distribution boards (≤1000 V)

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 0%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8537.10
Statistical unit unit

HS code 8537.10 covers Electrical control & distribution boards (≤1000 V) — for example distribution boards, control panels. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

Electrical boards typically need an NRCS letter of authority.

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 8537.10 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8537 is “Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, bases with apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 for electricity control and distribution, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517)”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8537.10 Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts — this page
  • 8537.20 Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts

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

Calculate full landed cost Check anti-dumping & permits Find a clearing agent

Watch HS 8537.10 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 electrical control & distribution boards (≤1000 v) in South Africa?

HS code 8537.10 (Electrical control & distribution boards (≤1000 V)) 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 distribution boards?

The Harmonised System heading for electrical control & distribution boards (≤1000 v) is 8537.10. 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.