HS 1512.21 covers Code 1512.21 imported into South Africa. Under this six-digit subheading, the General (MFN) customs duty under SARS Schedule 1 is 10%. 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 1512.21 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 about R200 and import VAT about R360, for roughly R2 560 landed before freight. For an exact, classification-checked landed cost, request a JLog quote.
HS Code 1512.21 — Quick Reference
Description: – – Crude oil, whether or not gossypol has been removed
General duty rate: See tariff schedule
VAT: 15% VAT applies at import
Last verified: March 2026 |
Get a clearance quote — [email protected]
What Is HS Code 1512.21?
HS Code 1512.21 falls under Animal or vegetable fats in South Africa’s customs tariff schedule (Schedule 1 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, as administered by SARS). The Harmonised System code 1512.21 describes: – – Crude oil, whether or not gossypol has been removed.
The Harmonised System (HS) is an internationally standardised classification system for traded goods, maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and used by over 200 countries. In South Africa, SARS (South African Revenue Service) applies HS codes to determine the correct import duty rate under the SACU (Southern African Customs Union) common external tariff.
Import Duty Rate — HS Code 1512.21 (South Africa 2026)
| HS Code |
Description |
General Duty Rate |
VAT on Import |
| 1512.21 |
– – Crude oil, whether or not gossypol has been removed |
See tariff schedule |
15% VAT applies at import |
The general duty rate applies to goods imported from countries without a preferential trade agreement with South Africa. Under the SADC EPA, EU-origin goods may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. Under AfCFTA, qualifying African-origin goods may receive preferential treatment.
Duty is calculated on the FOB customs value (the goods value at the point of loading in the export country; international freight and insurance are not part of the duty base under SARS Method 1). Import VAT is then 15% of the ATV (FOB customs value + 10% uplift for non-SACU origin + non-rebated duty).
How to Import Goods Under HS Code 1512.21 into South Africa
- Verify the correct HS code — Confirm 1512.21 is the correct tariff heading for your specific product. Misclassification is one of the most common causes of customs delays and penalties. JLog’s customs team can verify HS codes before you ship.
- Check for import permits — Certain subheadings require import permits from regulatory bodies such as SAHPRA, NRCS, or DALRRD. Verify requirements before shipping.
- Prepare your commercial invoice — The invoice must state: full product description, HS code, country of origin, declared value, quantity, and incoterms.
- Arrange shipping and insurance — JLog uses direct FedEx and DHL accounts for express courier imports. For larger volumes, we arrange air or sea freight.
- Submit the Bill of Entry (SAD 500) — your appointed clearing agent submits the customs declaration electronically via SARS’s EDI system. Duty and VAT are calculated and assessed automatically.
- Pay duty and VAT — Payment is made through the clearing process or directly by the importer. JLog facilitates this process.
- Release and delivery — Once SARS releases the goods, JLog arranges final-mile delivery to your Cape Town or South African address.
Documents Required to Import HS Code 1512.21 into South Africa
- Commercial invoice — Full details of goods, declared value, HS code, buyer and seller details
- Packing list — Quantities, weights, and dimensions per line item
- Bill of lading or airway bill — Carrier shipping document
- Certificate of origin — Required to claim preferential duty rates (SADC EPA, AfCFTA, AGOA)
- SAD 500 (Bill of Entry) — SARS customs declaration, submitted electronically by your clearing agent
- SARS registration — Importer must be registered with SARS Customs (RCG or importer code)
What Does JLog Handle for HS Code 1512.21 Imports?
JLog is a specialist 3PL based in Woodstock, Cape Town. For goods under HS Code 1512.21, we handle the full import chain:
- HS code verification and tariff advice before you ship
- Commercial invoice and packing list preparation to SARS standards
- FedEx or DHL direct account booking for express imports
- SAD 500 electronic customs declaration filing
- Duty and VAT payment facilitation
- SARS query resolution and examination coordination
- Final-mile delivery to your Cape Town address via our Woodstock facility
- All shipments tracked in real time
Last verified: March 2026 | Duty rates sourced from SARS Schedule 1 (Customs and Excise Act, 1964). Rates are subject to change — confirm with SARS or JLog before importing.
Get a Quote — Importing Under HS Code 1512.21
Contact JLog for a complete import cost breakdown including duty, VAT, freight, and our clearance fee.
[email protected] | +27 21 300 6099 | jlog.co.za/contact-us/
Import duty, VAT and a worked landed-cost example for HS 1512.21
General customs duty: 10% · VAT: 15% on the ATV
Preferential rates (with a valid origin certificate, e.g. EUR.1): EU/UK: Free · EFTA: 10% · SADC: Free · AfCFTA: 4%
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): 10% |
R200 |
| ATV = (R2 000 × 1.10) + R200 |
R2 400 |
| Import VAT (15% of ATV) |
R360 |
| Duty + VAT payable |
R560 |
| Landed cost before freight |
R2 560 |
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.
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Last updated: 4 July 2026
Speak to JLog’s Cape Town customs team: [email protected] · 021 300 6099
Frequently asked questions about HS 1512.21
What is the import duty on HS 1512.21 in South Africa?
The General (MFN) customs duty under SARS Schedule 1 is 10%. With a valid origin certificate (e.g. EUR.1) the preferential rate applies: EU/UK Free, SADC Free, AfCFTA 4%.
Is VAT charged when importing HS 1512.21?
Yes. Import VAT is ((FOB customs value × 1.10) + customs duty) × 15%. The customs value is the FOB goods value (freight and insurance excluded); the 10% upliftment does not apply to goods of BLNS/SACU origin (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini).
What would it cost to land a R2,000 HS 1512.21 consignment?
About R2 560 before freight: R200 duty plus R360 import VAT on top of the R2,000 customs (FOB) value. Freight, insurance and clearing fees are added separately.
Can JLog clear HS 1512.21 through Cape Town?
Yes. JLog is a Cape Town customs clearance specialist based in Woodstock, clearing import and export consignments through Cape Town and OR Tambo with direct FedEx and DHL accounts and paired customs work at both ends.
Which documents are needed to import HS 1512.21?
A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a SAD500 customs declaration. A certificate of origin (such as EUR.1) unlocks preferential duty rates where available.
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).