Licensed Clearing Agent. JLog can file your customs declarations and settle duties & VAT with SARS on your behalf.
HS Codes Chapter 49 — Printed Books & Matter
HS Chapter 49 covers printed books, newspapers; printed matter — books, magazines, atlases, calendars, printed cards and technical drawings. 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 49 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 49 shipment is held at the port of entry.
JLog coordinates customs clearance for Chapter 49 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 49 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.
Typical duty: Free–15% · VAT 15% · 29 codes
Some heading-level and specialised lines have no single ad-valorem rate — confirmed per code at booking.
HS codes in Chapter 49
Most-searched codes first.
- Hs 4909 00 Printed Or Illustrated Postcards Printed | Import Duty South Afric…
- 4911.10 — Trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like
- Hs 4904 00 Music Printed Or In Manuscript | Import Duty South Africa | JLog
- 4901.10 — Printed Books & Brochures
- 4906.00 — Plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, comm…
- 4908.90 — Other
- 4911.10.20 — Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs…
- 4908.90.10 — Transfers (decalcomanias): In rolls, of a width of 150 cm or mor…
- 4901.91 — Dictionaries and encyclopaedias
- 4901.99 — Other printed books, brochures and similar printed matter
- 4902.10 — Newspapers, journals and periodicals, appearing at least four times…
- 4902.90 — Other newspapers, journals and periodicals
- 4903.00 — Children's picture, drawing or colouring books
- 4905.10 — Globes
- 4905.20 — Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atl…
- 4905.90 — Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atl…
- 4907.00 — Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue i…
- 4908.10 — Transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable
- 4908.10.10 — Transfers (decalcomanias): In rolls, of a width of 150 cm or mor…
- 4908.10.90 — Transfers (decalcomanias): Other
- 4908.90.90 — Transfers (decalcomanias): Other
- 4910.00 — Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
- 4911.10.10 — Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs…
- 4911.10.30 — Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs…
- 4911.10.90 — Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs…
Show all 29 Chapter 49 codes
JLog handles Printed Books & Matter consignment clearance daily at ACS, OR Tambo and CTCT. Get a clearing quote
Related chapters
What Is HS Chapter 49?
HS Chapter 49 covers the goods classified under Chapter 49 of the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes for all import and export customs declarations under this chapter.
Common Chapter 49 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 49
Goods in HS Chapter 49 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 49 Goods into South Africa
To import goods classified under Chapter 49 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 49 Goods with JLog
JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 49 — 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 goods in HS Chapter 49?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 49. 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 goods classified under HS Chapter 49?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 49. 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 HS Chapter 49 goods through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 49, 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.