South Africa Import Duty Calculator
Enter your HS code and FOB customs value — get your SARS duty, 15% VAT, and total landed cost instantly. Free, no login required.
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Know your HS code? Get an instant estimate below
Enter your tariff code and FOB value (goods cost only) for an instant duty, VAT, and total landed-cost estimate — with a downloadable PDF.
Based on SARS ATV formula. Enter the FOB value (goods cost only, excluding freight and insurance).
VAT 15% per SARS (effective 1 April 2018). SACU imports (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini) exempt from 10% uplift.
Estimate only — final duties determined by SARS at time of clearance.
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How duty is calculated: SARS charges a percentage of the FOB customs value (goods cost only, before freight). VAT is 15% of the Added Tax Value — ATV = (FOB × 1.10) + duty. Duty rates run 0%–45% depending on the product’s HS code. Enter your values above for an instant estimate.
Common Import Duty Rates — South Africa 2026
These are general duty rates for frequently imported goods. Your exact rate depends on the product’s HS code — use the calculator above to confirm.
| Product Category | Duty Rate | + VAT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Apparel (Ch. 61–62) | 45% | 15% | High protection category |
| Footwear (Ch. 64) | 30% | 15% | Varies by material & construction |
| Laptops, Phones, Tablets (Ch. 84–85) | 0% | 15% | ITA zero-rated |
| Other Electronics (Ch. 85) | 0–25% | 15% | Rate varies by subcategory |
| Motor Vehicles (Ch. 87) | 25% | 15% | Ad valorem excise may also apply |
| Furniture — Wood (Ch. 94) | 0–20% | 15% | Varies by type & material |
| Original Artwork (Ch. 97) | 0% | 15% | Zero duty regardless of origin |
| Industrial Machinery (Ch. 84) | 0% | 15% | Most industrial equipment zero-rated |
• Rates are indicative. Preferential rates (SADC, EU–SADC EPA) may apply by origin. Verify with the calculator above or the SARS tariff schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is import duty calculated in South Africa?
Import duty is a percentage of the FOB customs value — the purchase price at the port of origin, excluding international freight and insurance. The rate is determined by the product’s HS code. On top of duty, SARS charges 15% VAT on the Added Tax Value (ATV = (FOB × 1.10) + duty). Example: R10,000 FOB at 45% duty → duty = R4,500, ATV = R15,500, VAT = R2,325.
How much is customs VAT?
Customs VAT is 15% of the Added Tax Value (ATV). The ATV formula is: (FOB customs value × 1.10) + import duty. SACU origin goods (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini) are exempt from the 10% uplift. VAT-registered businesses can reclaim import VAT as an input tax credit.
Is duty charged on shipping costs?
No. South African customs duty is calculated on the FOB customs value — the transaction value of the goods at origin, before freight and insurance are added. Shipping and insurance are excluded from the duty base. This differs from countries that use the CIF value as the duty base.
What is the ATV (Added Tax Value)?
The ATV is the base SARS uses to calculate import VAT. Formula: ATV = (FOB customs value × 1.10) + duty. Example: FOB R10,000 at 20% duty → duty = R2,000, ATV = (R10,000 × 1.10) + R2,000 = R13,000, VAT = R13,000 × 15% = R1,950. The 10% uplift is waived for SACU-origin goods.
Need it cleared, not just calculated?
JLog is a SARS-licensed customs clearing agent in Cape Town. We handle customs entry, duty payment, and door delivery — full service, no surprises.
Get a Clearance Quote WhatsApp +27 72 312 3034For the complete guide to SA duties, trade agreement rates, and common clearance mistakes, see our full import duties guide. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the formula with three worked examples in rand, see how customs duty is calculated in South Africa.
Once your duties are settled and your goods are cleared, JLog offers warehousing in Cape Town to store, pick and distribute your stock.