HS code 8711.20 covers Motorcycles & scooters (50–250 cc) — for example commuter motorcycles, delivery scooters. 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 cost | R116,500 |
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 8711.20 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8711 is “Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8711.10 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, with internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars
- 8711.20 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars — this page
- 8711.30 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 500cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars
- 8711.40 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 500cc but not exceeding 800cc, with or without sidecars; side-cars
- 8711.50 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with auxiliary motor, with internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 800cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars
- 8711.60 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without side-cars; side-cars 0% duty
- 8711.90 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; n.e.c. in heading no. 8711, fitted with auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 87 →
Watch HS 8711.20 for changes
Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.
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.
More codes in Chapter 87 — Vehicles other than railway rolling-stock
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on motorcycles & scooters (50–250 cc) in South Africa?
HS code 8711.20 (Motorcycles & scooters (50–250 cc)) 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 commuter motorcycles?
The Harmonised System heading for motorcycles & scooters (50–250 cc) is 8711.20. 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.