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HS Codes Chapter 30 — Pharmaceuticals

HS Chapter 30 covers pharmaceutical products — medicines, vaccines, wound dressings, surgical sutures and diagnostic kits. For South African importers and exporters clearing through SARS, this chapter sits at the heart of everyday customs work at OR Tambo, Cape Town Container Terminal and Durban Harbour.

Every consignment under Chapter 30 must be declared on a SAD500 using the correct 8-digit tariff heading. The duty rate, rebates and any import permits all follow from that classification. A wrong tariff heading is the single most common reason a Chapter 30 shipment is held at the port of entry.

JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 30 goods moving through Cape Town. We prepare the SAD500, manage the submission to SARS, and keep your classification defensible and your duty correct. Whether you are importing a one-off sample or running a regular container programme, we handle the paperwork so your consignment keeps moving. Browse the most-requested HS codes in Chapter 30 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

HS codes in Chapter 30 — Pharmaceuticals

Browse the most-requested HS code pages in this chapter. The full chapter has 163 subheadings — these are the conceptual entry points; each links to the full SARS duty rate, VAT, and permit detail.

What Is HS Chapter 30?

HS Chapter 30 covers pharmaceutical products including medicines, vaccines, diagnostic reagents and bandages under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, insulin, antibiotics and medical dressings for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 30 HS Codes

Use the JLog HS Code Directory to find the specific code for your product. Each code includes the current import duty rate, VAT treatment, and customs notes.

Import Duty and VAT for HS Chapter 30

Goods in HS Chapter 30 are subject to South African import duty plus 15% VAT on the ATV (FOB customs value + 10% uplift for non-SACU origin + non-rebated duty). Duty rates vary by subheading — check the individual HS code pages or contact JLog for a landed cost calculation.

Importing Chapter 30 Goods into South Africa

To import prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, insulin, antibiotics and medical dressings into South Africa, you must be registered with SARS as an importer. All goods must be declared on a SAD500 customs declaration. JLog’s DutyCheq service handles SARS importer registration, and our customs clearance team manages all SARS submissions.

Shipping Chapter 30 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 30 — from freight quotes and carrier booking to customs clearance, SARS submission management, and delivery to your door.

Contact JLog: [email protected] | 021 300 6099

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Frequently Asked Questions

What duty applies to pharmaceutical products including medicines, vaccines, diagnostic reagents and bandages?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 30. Use the HS code search above to find the specific rate, or contact JLog for a customs classification consultation.

Do I need a permit to import prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, insulin, antibiotics and medical dressings?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 30. Some lines may require ITAC import permits, product compliance certificates or origin certificates to claim a preferential rate. Check the individual HS code page or contact JLog for a per-product check.

Can JLog clear prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, insulin, antibiotics and medical dressings through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 30, including document preparation, SARS submission, and query management. Contact us for a quote.

Related JLog Services

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

Typical duty: Free–20% · VAT 15% · 163 codes

Some heading-level and specialised lines have no single ad-valorem rate — confirmed per code at booking.

HS codes in Chapter 30

Most-searched codes first.

Show all 163 Chapter 30 codes
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