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Frequently asked questions
How is import duty calculated in South Africa?
SARS calculates import duty on the customs value of the goods — multiply that value by the applicable duty rate from the SARS Tariff Book. VAT at 15% is then charged on the Added Tax Value (ATV): the customs value uplifted by 10% (for goods imported from outside the Southern African Customs Union) plus the customs duty.
What is the VAT rate on imports in South Africa?
South Africa charges 15% VAT on imports. VAT is calculated on the Added Tax Value (ATV) — the customs value plus a 10% uplift (for non-SACU imports) plus the customs duty — not just the purchase price.
How do I find the duty rate for my product?
Use the HS code for your product and look it up in the SARS Tariff Book (Schedule 1, Part 1) on the SARS website. The General Rate column shows the duty rate for imports from countries without a preferential trade agreement.
What clearing fees should I add to my landed cost?
ZA customs clearing agent fees typically range from R2,500 to R8,000 per shipment depending on complexity. Port terminal charges add approximately 0.5-1% of CIF value. The Trade Caravan calculator uses R3,500 as a default clearing fee.