HS Code 8544.70

Optical fibre cables

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 15%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 8544.70
Statistical unit kg

HS code 8544.70 covers Optical fibre cables — for example optical-fibre cables. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 15%, 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 (15%)R15,000
Import VAT (15% on ATV)R18,750
Estimated landed costR133,750

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 8544.70 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8544 is “Insulated wire, cable and other electric conductors, connector fitted or not; optical fibre cables of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 8544.11 Insulated electric conductors; winding wire, of copper
  • 8544.19 Insulated electric conductors; winding wire, (of other than copper)
  • 8544.20 Insulated electric conductors; co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors
  • 8544.30 Insulated electric conductors; ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a kind used in vehicles, aircraft or ships
  • 8544.42 Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors 15% duty
  • 8544.49 Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors
  • 8544.60 Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts
  • 8544.70 Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables — this page

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 8544.70 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 optical fibre cables in South Africa?

HS code 8544.70 (Optical fibre cables) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 15% 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 optical-fibre cables?

The Harmonised System heading for optical fibre cables is 8544.70. 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.