Importing lights 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 | 9405 |
| Chapter | 94 — Furniture; lamps and lighting fittings |
| General (MFN) duty | 20% |
| VAT on import | 15% on customs value + duty + 10% ATV uplift |
How SARS classifies lights
Complete light fittings and luminaires — the assembled product including the housing, base, shade, and lamp — fall under heading 9405. LED luminaires are 9405.10 (ceiling and wall) through 9405.50 (other). After the 2022 revision to the Harmonised System, individual LED light sources — bare LED bulbs and tubes sold separately — were moved to heading 8539.52 in Chapter 85. The key distinction is fitting vs source: a complete desk lamp is 9405, but the LED bulb inside it is 8539.52.
Preferential duty rates
South Africa maintains preferential tariff agreements with SADC member states, the EU (via the EPA), and AGOA. If your lights 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: 20% 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 lights 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 lights today.
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