HS Code 4820.20 — Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose- leaf or

HS Code 4820.20: Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose-
leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for
collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard: Exercise books

HS Code 4820.20 covers Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose-
leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for
collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard: Exercise books under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose-
leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for
collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard: Exercise books for all import and export customs declarations.

Customs Duty Rate

The customs duty rate for HS Code 4820.20 is 15%. Duty is calculated on the FOB customs value (the goods value at the point of loading onto the carrier; international freight and insurance are not part of the duty base). Import VAT is then 15% of the Added Tax Value (ATV) — customs value + 10% uplift (for non-SACU origin; nil for BLNS countries) + non-rebated duty.

What Falls Under HS Code 4820.20?

This tariff heading covers Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose-
leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for
collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard: Exercise books. All importers and exporters must use this code on SARS customs declarations (SAD500), commercial invoices, and shipping documents.

How to Import or Export Under HS Code 4820.20

To move goods under HS Code 4820.20 across South African borders, you’ll need to be registered with SARS as an importer or exporter (customs client code) before your first shipment. Once registered, JLog handles your customs clearance.

JLog Customs Clearance for HS Code 4820.20

JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 4820.20. We handle the full SARS submission — from checking documents to lodging declarations and managing SARS queries.

Contact JLog: info@jlog.co.za | 021 300 6099

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 4820.20 used for?
HS Code 4820.20 is the official tariff code for Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose-
leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for
collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard: Exercise books under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.

What duty do I pay on HS Code 4820.20?
The customs duty rate is 15%. Plus 15% VAT on import. Contact JLog for a full landed cost calculation including all applicable levies.

Do I need a customs broker for HS Code 4820.20?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 4820.20 on your behalf.

Last updated: 2026. Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule.

Related JLog Services

JLog provides customs clearance services for goods under this HS code. Our team handles SARS submissions, documentation, and query management.

• Customs Clearance South Africa — Full SARS clearance service
• DutyCheq — HS code, duty and import VAT calculator
• SARS Tariff Book — Browse all 11,887 HS codes

JLog — Customs Clearance and Logistics Technology, Cape Town