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

HS Codes Chapter 01 — Live Animals

HS Chapter 01 covers live animals — cattle, poultry, horses, reptiles, aquaculture brood stock. 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 01 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 01 shipment is held at the port of entry. DAFF veterinary import permits are required before lodging SAD500; consignments without permits are held at the State Vet Office.

Many Chapter 01 sub-headings carry ITAC-administered rebates or preferential duty under AGOA, SADC, EFTA, Mercosur and the UK EPA. Claiming them correctly requires a valid certificate of origin and a matched invoice value.

JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 01 goods moving through Cape Town. We prepare the SAD500, manage the submission to SARS, and support any ITAC or DAFF permitting your consignment requires. 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 01 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 01?

HS Chapter 01 covers live horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and other live animals under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify live horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and other live animals for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 01 HS Codes

Use the HS code lookup to find the specific code for your product. Each code lists its current import duty rate, VAT treatment and customs notes.

Import Duty and VAT for HS Chapter 01

Most Chapter 01 goods are duty-free (0%), though 15% VAT still applies on the ATV (FOB customs value + 10% uplift for non-SACU origin + non-rebated duty). Check the individual HS code pages, or contact JLog for a landed-cost calculation.

Importing Chapter 01 Goods into South Africa

To import live horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and other live animals into South Africa, you must be registered with SARS as an importer. All goods are declared on a SAD500 customs declaration. JLog’s DutyCheq service handles SARS importer registration, and our customs clearance team manages the SARS submissions.

Shipping Chapter 01 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 01 — from freight quotes and carrier booking to customs clearance, SARS submission management, and delivery to your door.

Contact JLog: [email protected] | 021 300 6099

Frequently Asked Questions

What duty applies to live horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and other live animals?
Most Chapter 01 lines are duty-free, but rates vary by subheading and 15% VAT applies. Use the HS code search above to confirm the specific rate, or contact JLog for a landed-cost estimate.

Do I need a permit to import live horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and other live animals?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 01. Some lines may require ITAC import permits, DAFF or health 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 live horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and other live animals through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for goods in HS Chapter 01, 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 — SARS importer/exporter registration
• HS Code Directory — browse all South African tariff codes

Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule (Schedule 1 Part 1).