Three things decide whether a tariff code is expensive to import into South Africa: anti-dumping or safeguard duty, an ITAC permit or NRCS Letter of Authority, and the general duty plus 15% VAT. Trade-remedy duty sits on top of the general rate, so a normal code can land far above the tariff book.
Check your import
This heading is in our HS-code directory but not in our curated anti-dumping watch set, so we can’t flag anti-dumping or safeguard exposure from China. Check the current SARS Schedule 2 before ordering — measures change every few weeks.
We don’t track import-control status for this heading. About 276 tariff lines need an ITAC import permit for new goods — confirm against the current ITAC import-control list before ordering. (Any used/second-hand version always needs a permit.)
General customs duty for HS 9025.19 (Thermometers (not combined with other instruments)) is approximately 0%. Import VAT of 15% is then charged on the Added Tax Value (customs value + 10% uplift + all duties).
Get the full PDF risk report
A shareable, dated summary of your import’s duty, permit and anti-dumping exposure.
Watch this code for changes
Schedule 2 changes every few weeks. We’ll email you if the anti-dumping or permit status of this code shifts.
Next: your full landed cost
Add freight, insurance and clearing for a fuller landed-cost estimate — duty stays on the FOB customs value, while import VAT uses the Added Tax Value (ATV).
Open Duty & VAT Calculator →Source from a vetted supplier
A verified customs broker can confirm classification and cut surprise duty.
Find a customs broker →Avoided the duty surprise? The next risk is demurrage.
With 60+ vessels queuing off Durban, a held container racks up storage and demurrage fast. Realview SCM tracks your shipment in real time so the next surprise doesn’t bite either.
Explore Realview SCM →These results are indicative guidance compiled from public SARS and ITAC documents. They are not a tariff determination under Section 47(9) of the Customs & Excise Act, 1964. Anti-dumping and safeguard rates are producer-specific and change frequently between provisional and final. The importer remains solely responsible for correct tariff classification, and only a formal written determination from SARS is binding. Always verify against the current SARS Schedule 2 and the ITAC import-control list before committing to an order.
Frequently asked questions
What is an anti-dumping duty in South Africa?
An anti-dumping duty is an extra customs duty ITAC and SARS impose on specific products from specific countries (and often specific producers) that are sold into South Africa below fair value. It is charged on top of the ordinary customs duty and can run from roughly 20% to over 160%. It is frequently payable as a provisional payment — a cash amount to SARS, not deferred duty — which is why it blindsides importers’ cash flow.
How do I know if my product needs an ITAC import permit?
About 276 tariff lines are under import control in South Africa and require an ITAC import permit for new goods. Separately, ALL used or second-hand goods require an import permit regardless of the tariff code. This checker flags both: enter your product or HS code and set the new/used toggle. Always confirm against ITAC’s import-control list before ordering.
Is this tool a SARS tariff determination?
No. The results are indicative guidance drawn from public SARS and ITAC documents and are not a tariff determination under Section 47(9) of the Customs & Excise Act, 1964. The importer remains solely responsible for correct classification, and only a formal written determination from SARS is binding.
How is import VAT calculated on top of duty?
South Africa charges 15% import VAT on the Added Tax Value (ATV): the customs value uplifted by 10% (for non-SACU imports) plus customs duty plus any anti-dumping or safeguard duty. So duties are effectively taxed again through VAT — this tool’s estimate uses the same ATV method as our Duty & VAT Calculator.
How current is the anti-dumping data?
Anti-dumping and safeguard measures change every few weeks by Government Gazette. This dataset shows a “data current as of” date and uses cautious “may carry — verify” wording throughout. Always re-check the current SARS Schedule 2 close to your order date, or use the watchlist to be emailed when a code’s status changes.