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Frequently asked questions
Which countries have preferential duty rates with South Africa?
South Africa (through SACU) trades preferentially with the SADC free-trade area, the European Union under the SADC-EU EPA, the United Kingdom under the SACUM-UK EPA, EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), MERCOSUR (a limited product list), and African states trading under the AfCFTA since 31 January 2024. Imports from everywhere else — including China, the USA and India — pay the General rate.
What certificate do I need to claim a preferential duty rate?
It depends on the agreement: a SADC Certificate of Origin for SADC trade, a EUR.1 movement certificate for the EU, UK and EFTA agreements, a MERCOSUR certificate for MERCOSUR, and an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin for AfCFTA trade. Without the certificate at clearance, SARS charges the full General rate.
Do goods just need to be shipped from a preferential country to qualify?
No — this is the most expensive misunderstanding in preferential trade. The goods must ORIGINATE in the partner country under that agreement's rules of origin: wholly obtained there, or sufficiently worked/processed there. Chinese-made goods transhipped through an EU port do not qualify.
Does AGOA give me cheaper imports into South Africa?
No. AGOA works in the other direction — it gives South African exports preferential access into the United States. Imports from the USA into South Africa pay the General rate.