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

HS Codes Chapter 37 — Photographic Goods

HS Chapter 37 covers photographic or cinematographic goods — photographic film, photographic plates, photographic paper and chemicals. 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 37 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 37 shipment is held at the port of entry.

JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 37 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 37 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 37?

HS Chapter 37 covers photographic and cinematographic goods under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify photographic film, photographic paper, developers, fixers and photographic chemicals for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 37 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 37

Goods in HS Chapter 37 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 37 Goods into South Africa

To import photographic film, photographic paper, developers, fixers and photographic chemicals 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 37 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 37 — from freight quotes and carrier booking to customs clearance, SARS submission management, and delivery to your door.

Contact JLog: info@jlog.co.za | 021 300 6099

Frequently Asked Questions

What duty applies to photographic and cinematographic goods?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 37. 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 photographic film, photographic paper, developers, fixers and photographic chemicals?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 37. 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 photographic film, photographic paper, developers, fixers and photographic chemicals through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 37, 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 — HS code, duty and import VAT calculator
• HS Code Directory — Browse all South African tariff codes

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