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

HS Codes Chapter 56 — Nonwovens & Ropes

HS Chapter 56 covers wadding, felt and nonwovens; twines; ropes — medical wadding, felt, nonwoven fabric, baler twine and cordage. 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 56 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 56 shipment is held at the port of entry. Agricultural twine under 5607.41 attracts rebate R403; synthetic ropes under 5607.49 do not — specification documents are essential.

Many Chapter 56 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 56 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 56 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 56?

HS Chapter 56 covers wadding, felt, nonwovens, twine, cordage, ropes and cables under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify wadding, felt, nonwovens, twine, cordage, ropes and cables for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 56 HS Codes

Use the all South African tariff codes 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 56

Duty on Chapter 56 goods ranges from free to 20% depending on the subheading, plus 15% VAT 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 56 Goods into South Africa

To import wadding, felt, nonwovens, twine, cordage, ropes and cables 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 56 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 56 — 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 wadding, felt, nonwovens, twine, cordage, ropes and cables?
Rates range from free to 20% within HS Chapter 56, depending on the subheading. 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 wadding, felt, nonwovens, twine, cordage, ropes and cables?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 56. 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 wadding, felt, nonwovens, twine, cordage, ropes and cables through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for goods in HS Chapter 56, 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).