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

HS Codes Chapter 16 — Meat & Fish Preparations

HS Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, fish or crustaceans — canned tuna, corned beef, salami, fish cakes and pâté. 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 16 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 16 shipment is held at the port of entry.

JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 16 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 16 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 16?

HS Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, fish or crustaceans including sausages, corned beef and fish pastes under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify sausages, corned beef, processed ham, fish paste, canned fish and seafood for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 16 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 16

Goods in HS Chapter 16 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 16 Goods into South Africa

To import sausages, corned beef, processed ham, fish paste, canned fish and seafood 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 16 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 16 — 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 preparations of meat, fish or crustaceans including sausages, corned beef and fish pastes?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 16. 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 sausages, corned beef, processed ham, fish paste, canned fish and seafood?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 16. 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 sausages, corned beef, processed ham, fish paste, canned fish and seafood through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 16, 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

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