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

HS Codes Chapter 89 — Ships & Boats

HS Chapter 89 covers ships, boats and floating structures — pleasure craft, commercial vessels, fishing boats, lifeboats and floating docks. 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 89 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 89 shipment is held at the port of entry. SAMSA surveys apply to commercial vessels; pleasure craft under 8903.92 have different duty to life-saving craft 8907.10.

Many Chapter 89 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 89 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 89 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 89?

HS Chapter 89 covers cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, yachts, fishing boats and other floating structures under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, yachts, fishing boats and other floating structures for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 89 HS Codes

Use the tariff code lookup 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 89

Duty on Chapter 89 goods ranges from free to 10% 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 89 Goods into South Africa

To import cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, yachts, fishing boats and other floating structures 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 89 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 89 — 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 cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, yachts, fishing boats and other floating structures?
Rates range from free to 10% within HS Chapter 89, 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 cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, yachts, fishing boats and other floating structures?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 89. 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 cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, yachts, fishing boats and other floating structures through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for goods in HS Chapter 89, 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

Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule (Schedule 1 Part 1).