HS Code 9608.10

Ball-point pens

Import duty, VAT & classification for South African importers

General customs duty 15%
Import VAT 15%
HS heading 9608.10
Statistical unit unit

HS code 9608.10 covers Ball-point pens — for example ballpoint pens, promotional pens. 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 9608.10 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 9608 is “Pens; ball-point, felt tipped, other porous tipped pens; fountain pens, stylograph pens duplicating stylos, propelling or sliding pencils; parts of the foregoing, excluding those of heading no. 9609”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

  • 9608.10 Pens; ball point — this page
  • 9608.20 Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers
  • 9608.30 Pens; fountain, stylograph and other pens
  • 9608.40 Pencils; propelling or sliding
  • 9608.50 Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings
  • 9608.60 Pens; ball-point, refills comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir
  • 9608.91 Pens; nibs and nib points
  • 9608.99 Pens and pencils; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips

Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 96 →

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Watch HS 9608.10 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.

9603.21 Toothbrushes 15% duty + 15% VAT 9603.90 Brooms, brushes & mops 15% duty + 15% VAT 9607.11 Slide fasteners (zips) with metal teeth 20% duty + 15% VAT 9617.00 Vacuum flasks & insulated containers 20% duty + 15% VAT 9619.00 Nappies, sanitary towels & similar articles 0% duty + 15% VAT

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on ball-point pens in South Africa?

HS code 9608.10 (Ball-point pens) 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 ballpoint pens?

The Harmonised System heading for ball-point pens is 9608.10. 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.