HS code: 761699 · Chapter: 76 · Heading: 7616 · Latest reporting year: 2025 · Group: Industrial / B2B
At a glance
- South Africa exported $134.67M worth of Aluminium under HS 761699 in 2025.
- South Africa imported $128.38M worth of the same goods in 2025.
- The 2025 trade balance is a $6.30M surplus.
- Top export destinations: Namibia, Mozambique, United Arab Emirates.
- Top import origins: China, India, Germany.
What HS 761699 covers
HS 761699 is the six-digit Harmonised System code for Aluminium; articles n.e.c. in heading 7616. It sits within Chapter 76 (heading 7616) of the World Customs Organisation tariff structure that South Africa applies through SARS as the SACU common external tariff. The HS6 level is the most granular code shared internationally — your country may add two or four further digits for its national tariff (in South Africa, the full eight-digit code is the SARS tariff line).
Importers and exporters use this code on every customs declaration: Bill of Entry SAD500, commercial invoice, and packing list. Getting the HS code right is the single biggest determinant of the duty rate you pay, the permits you need, and whether your shipment clears Customs at the first attempt.
South Africa trade flows under HS 761699
The table below shows annual South African trade values reported to UN Comtrade for HS 761699. All figures are in USD, sourced directly from the UN Comtrade API (reporterCode=710, partnerCode=0 — World aggregate).
| Year | Exports (USD) | Imports (USD) | Net trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $134.67M | $128.38M | $6.30M |
| 2024 | $114.27M | $110.19M | $4.09M |
| 2023 | $68.22M | $110.14M | $-41,921,701 |
| 2022 | $82.89M | $107.35M | $-24,465,444 |
| 2021 | $108.26M | $113.65M | $-5,397,134 |
In 2025, reported net weight on exports was 17.28M kg and imports 24.36M kg — useful context when sizing containers and air uplift.
Where the trade goes
Top 10 export destinations — 2025
| Rank | Country | Export value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Namibia | $20.21M |
| 2 | Mozambique | $12.13M |
| 3 | United Arab Emirates | $10.47M |
| 4 | Botswana | $9.49M |
| 5 | Germany | $8.90M |
| 6 | Australia | $7.19M |
| 7 | Zimbabwe | $7.19M |
| 8 | USA | $5.89M |
| 9 | Italy | $5.76M |
| 10 | Zambia | $5.59M |
Top 10 import origins — 2025
| Rank | Country | Import value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | $53.27M |
| 2 | India | $30.27M |
| 3 | Germany | $16.11M |
| 4 | USA | $5.69M |
| 5 | Italy | $3.50M |
| 6 | France | $3.46M |
| 7 | Other Asia, nes | $1.87M |
| 8 | Spain | $1.56M |
| 9 | Czechia | $1.24M |
| 10 | Japan | $1.05M |
Customs and compliance specifics
- South African tariff lookup: Search the SARS Schedule 1 Part 1 tariff book for the eight-digit line that starts with
761699. The duty rate, VAT (15%), and any rebates or surcharges live on the eight-digit line, not the six-digit HS code. - Bill of Entry SAD500: This code is what your clearing agent enters into the Customs Procedure Code (CPC), Tariff Heading, and Statistical fields. The HS6 must match what you put on the commercial invoice.
- Origin documents: If you are exporting under AGOA, SADC, SACU-EFTA, EU EPA, UK EPA, or Mercosur preferences, the certificate of origin and supplier declaration reference the HS code. A wrong code voids the preference.
- Permits: Some HS codes in this range may require ITAC import permits, SAPS firearms control board sign-off, DALRRD agriculture permits, or CITES wildlife trade certificates. Check the SARS Prohibited and Restricted Imports list before shipping.
How JLog helps with HS 761699
Business-to-business freight engineered for industrial cargo: factory-to-factory door-to-door logistics, heavy-line customs entry, palletised lane planning, and project-cargo support for mining, construction, and manufacturing supply chains.
Freight modes we use for this lane: Ocean FCL, breakbulk, road freight.
JLog is a specialist South African 3PL based in Cape Town, with direct accounts with FedEx, DHL Express, MDS Collivery, Bob Go, and 11 domestic couriers. We are the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and handle inbound and outbound flows for e-commerce merchants, manufacturers, galleries, and freight forwarders across Southern Africa.
To get a quote for HS 761699 shipments — including duty-line modelling, container consolidation, and customs entry — contact us at [email protected] or +27 21 300 6099.
Frequently asked questions
What is HS code 761699?
HS 761699 is the six-digit Harmonised System tariff code for Aluminium; articles n.e.c. in heading 7616. It is the internationally standardised code used on customs declarations, certificates of origin, and shipping documentation worldwide.
How much duty do I pay on HS 761699 in South Africa?
The duty rate is set on the eight-digit SARS tariff line that starts with 761699. South Africa applies the SACU common external tariff plus 15% VAT on the customs value. Preferential rates may apply under SADC, EU EPA, UK EPA, EFTA, AGOA, or Mercosur agreements. Contact JLog for a duty estimate on your specific cargo.
Which countries does South Africa trade HS 761699 with?
South Africa’s top export destinations for HS 761699 include Namibia, Mozambique, United Arab Emirates. Top import origins include China, India, Germany.
Do I need a permit to import or export under HS 761699?
Some HS codes in this range require ITAC import permits, SAPS clearance, DALRRD agriculture certificates, or CITES wildlife trade permits. JLog’s customs desk will check the SARS Prohibited and Restricted Imports list and the ITAC permit register before quoting the shipment.
Related JLog guides
Current SARS duty rates — HS 7616.99
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| AGOA | See SARS Schedule 4 for AGOA-specific provisions |
| VAT | 15% |
Last verified 16 Aug 2026 from SARS tariff book.
Shipping rates from South Africa — HS 7616.99
| Destination | Carrier | From (ZAR / 10kg) | Transit days |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH | FedEx | 2,046.90 | 3 |
| NZ | FedEx | 2,225.08 | 5 |
| BR | FedEx | 2,873.89 | 8 |
| JP | FedEx | 2,225.08 | 5 |
| CA | FedEx | 2,315.03 | 4 |
| IN | FedEx | 2,182.22 | 8 |
| CN | DHL Express | 5,418.29 | 3 |
| SG | FedEx | 2,225.08 | 5 |
| AE | FedEx | 2,182.22 | 5 |
| NL | FedEx | 2,046.90 | 3 |