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HS Codes Chapter 31 — Fertilisers

HS Chapter 31 covers fertilisers — nitrogen, phosphate, potash, compound fertilisers and soil conditioners. 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 31 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 31 shipment is held at the port of entry.

JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 31 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 31 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 31?

HS Chapter 31 covers fertilisers including nitrogen, phosphate and potassium compounds under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify urea, ammonia nitrate, superphosphate, potash, compound fertilisers and organic fertilisers for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 31 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 31

Goods in HS Chapter 31 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 31 Goods into South Africa

To import urea, ammonia nitrate, superphosphate, potash, compound fertilisers and organic fertilisers 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 31 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 31 — 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 fertilisers including nitrogen, phosphate and potassium compounds?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 31. 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 urea, ammonia nitrate, superphosphate, potash, compound fertilisers and organic fertilisers?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 31. 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 urea, ammonia nitrate, superphosphate, potash, compound fertilisers and organic fertilisers through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 31, 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.