JLog — Specialist Logistics, Cape Town

HS 4901.10 covers In single sheets whether or not folded imported into South Africa. Under this six-digit subheading, the General (MFN) customs duty under SARS Schedule 1 is free (0%). The customs value is the FOB (free on board) value of the goods — freight and insurance are excluded. Import VAT is then VAT = ((FOB customs value × 1.10) + customs duty) × 15%. JLog is a Cape Town customs clearance specialist, based in Woodstock, that clears consignments under HS 4901.10 through Cape Town and OR Tambo with direct FedEx and DHL accounts and paired customs work at both ends. On a R2 000 declared consignment the duty is R0 and import VAT is about R330, for roughly R2 330 landed before freight. For an exact, classification-checked landed cost, request a JLog quote.

HS Code 4901.10: Printed books, brochures and similar, in single sheets

HS Code 4901.10 covers Printed books, brochures and similar, in single sheets under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Printed books, brochures and similar, in single sheets for all import and export customs declarations.

Customs Duty Rate

The customs duty rate for HS Code 4901.10 is free (0%). 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 4901.10?

This tariff heading covers Printed books, brochures and similar, in single sheets. 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 4901.10

To move goods under HS Code 4901.10 across South African borders, you must be registered with SARS as an importer or exporter. JLog’s TradeReady service handles SARS registration. Once registered, a customs declaration is lodged by you or a licensed broker.

JLog Customs Clearance for HS Code 4901.10

JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 4901.10. We handle the full SARS submission — from checking documents to lodging declarations and managing SARS queries.

We also provide DutyCheq — real-time customs clearance tracking so you can monitor your SARS submission status at every step.

Contact JLog: [email protected] | 021 300 6099

Import duty, VAT and a worked landed-cost example for HS 4901.10

General customs duty: Free (0%)  ·  VAT: 15% on the ATV

Duty basis: the General/MFN rate from SARS Schedule 1. The customs value is the FOB goods value (freight and insurance excluded). Only the country of origin, with a valid origin certificate, unlocks a preferential rate.

Worked example — R2 000 declared consignment:

Customs value (FOB goods value)R2 000
Customs duty (General): Free (0%)R0
ATV = (R2 000 × 1.10) + R0R2 200
Import VAT (15% of ATV)R330
Duty + VAT payableR330
Landed cost before freightR2 330

Duty is charged on the FOB customs value only — freight and insurance are excluded. VAT = ((FOB customs value × 1.10) + customs duty) × 15%. The 10% upliftment does not apply to goods of BLNS/SACU origin (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini). Freight, insurance and clearing fees are added to the total on top. Figures are indicative; request a quote for an exact, classification-checked landed cost.

Scan your supplier invoice — instant duty & VAT estimate

Upload a photo or PDF of your invoice and get HS codes plus a full landed-cost estimate automatically — no typing.

Last updated: 4 July 2026

Speak to JLog’s Cape Town customs team: [email protected]  ·  021 300 6099

How long do I have to clear goods into South Africa?
Goods must be cleared within 7 days of arrival (s38(1)(b) of the Customs and Excise Act), extended to 14 days for break-bulk cargo and 28 days for containerised cargo. Uncleared goods are removed to the State Warehouse (rent payable under s17) and may be forfeited and sold after 3 months (s43).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 4901.10 used for?
HS Code 4901.10 is the official tariff code for Printed books, brochures and similar, in single sheets under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.

What duty do I pay on HS Code 4901.10?
The customs duty rate is free (0%). 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 4901.10?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 4901.10 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.

JLog — Customs Clearance and Logistics Technology, Cape Town

Current SARS duty rates — HS 4901.10

ItemRate
General dutyfree
SADC preferentialfree
EU EPAfree
UK EPAfree
EFTAfree
MERCOSURfree
AfCFTAfree
AGOASee SARS Schedule 4 for AGOA-specific provisions
VAT15%

Last verified 5 Jul 2026 from SARS tariff book.