Importing fabric into South Africa requires the correct HS code on your SAD500 customs declaration. The right classification determines your duty rate, VAT base, and whether you qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
Quick reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| HS Heading | 5208 |
| Chapter | 52 — Cotton and cotton articles |
| General (MFN) duty | 10% |
| VAT on import | 15% on customs value + duty + 10% ATV uplift |
How SARS classifies fabric
Woven cotton fabric falls under Chapter 52, with heading 5208 covering woven fabric of 85% or more cotton content weighing 200 g/m2 or less. Heavier cotton fabric is under 5209. Synthetic and artificial fibre fabrics fall into Chapters 54 and 55. Knitted fabric — used for T-shirts and sportswear — moves to Chapter 60. The 10% duty rate on basic woven cotton fabric is significantly lower than on finished garments (45%), reflecting the importance of textile inputs to the South African clothing manufacturing sector.
Preferential duty rates
South Africa maintains preferential tariff agreements with SADC member states, the EU (via the EPA), and AGOA. If your fabric originates from a preference country and you hold the correct certificate of origin — EUR.1 for EU goods or Form A for AGOA — your effective duty rate may be lower than the general rate above.
Total import cost breakdown
- Customs duty: 10% on the FOB customs value
- VAT: 15% on the ATV (FOB customs value + 10% uplift + duty)
- Port and terminal handling charges
- Customs clearance fee
- Last-mile delivery to your address
Import fabric to South Africa with JLog
JLog is a Cape Town-based customs clearance and freight specialist. We verify HS codes before your shipment departs — preventing reclassifications at the border — and manage the full clearance, documentation, and last-mile delivery. Get a quote for importing fabric today.
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