Licensed Clearing Agent. JLog can file your customs declarations and settle duties & VAT with SARS on your behalf.

HS Codes Chapter 48 — Paper & Paperboard

HS Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard; articles — printing paper, kraft, corrugated board, tissue, hygiene paper and cardboard boxes. 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 48 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 48 shipment is held at the port of entry.

JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 48 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 48 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 48?

HS Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard and articles thereof including newsprint, tissue, packaging and stationery under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify newsprint, writing paper, tissue paper, cardboard, cartons, notebooks and paper packaging for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 48 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 48

Goods in HS Chapter 48 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 48 Goods into South Africa

To import newsprint, writing paper, tissue paper, cardboard, cartons, notebooks and paper packaging 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 48 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 48 — from freight quotes and carrier booking to customs clearance, SARS submission management, and delivery to your door.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What duty applies to paper and paperboard and articles thereof including newsprint, tissue, packaging and stationery?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 48. 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 newsprint, writing paper, tissue paper, cardboard, cartons, notebooks and paper packaging?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 48. 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 newsprint, writing paper, tissue paper, cardboard, cartons, notebooks and paper packaging through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 48, including document preparation, SARS submission, and query management. Contact us for a quote.

Related JLog Services

• Customs Clearance South Africa — Full SARS clearance service
• DutyCheq — Real-time customs monitoring platform
• DutyCheq — HS code, duty and import VAT calculator
• HS Code Directory — Browse all South African tariff codes

Last updated: 9 September 2026. Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule.

Need to clear this commodity? customs clearing agent in Cape Town — JLog files customs entries through Cape Town, OR Tambo and Durban with direct FedEx and DHL accounts. Contact info@jlog.co.za.