HS Code 1605.59 — Other | South Africa Import & Export

What Is HS Code 1605.59?

HS Code 1605.59 falls under Prepared meat and fish in South Africa’s customs tariff schedule (Schedule 1 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, as administered by SARS). The Harmonised System code 1605.59 describes: – – Other.

The Harmonised System (HS) is an internationally standardised classification system for traded goods, maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and used by over 200 countries. In South Africa, SARS applies HS codes to determine the correct import duty rate under the SACU (Southern African Customs Union) common external tariff.

Import Duty Rate — HS Code 1605.59 (South Africa 2026)

The general duty rate applies to goods from countries without a preferential trade agreement with South Africa. Under the SADC EPA, EU-origin goods may qualify for reduced or zero duty. Under AfCFTA, qualifying African-origin goods may receive preferential treatment.

Duty is calculated on the FOB customs value (the goods value at the point of loading in the export country; international freight and insurance are not part of the duty base under SARS Method 1). Import VAT is then 15% of the ATV (FOB customs value + 10% uplift for non-SACU origin + non-rebated duty).

How to Import Goods Under HS Code 1605.59 into South Africa

1. Verify the correct HS code — Confirm 1605.59 is the correct tariff heading for your product. Misclassification causes customs delays and penalties. JLog’s customs team verifies HS codes before you ship.
2. Check for import permits — Certain subheadings require permits from SAHPRA, NRCS, or DALRRD. Verify before shipping.
3. Prepare your commercial invoice — Must state: product description, HS code, country of origin, declared value, quantity, and incoterms.
4. Arrange shipping — JLog uses direct FedEx and DHL accounts for express courier imports. For larger volumes, we arrange air or sea freight.
5. Submit the Bill of Entry (SAD 500) — your clearing agent submits the customs declaration electronically via SARS’s EDI system.
6. Pay duty and VAT — Through your SARS RCG account or directly. JLog facilitates this process.
7. Release and delivery — JLog arranges final-mile delivery to your Cape Town or South African address once SARS releases the goods.

Documents Required to Import HS Code 1605.59 into South Africa

• Commercial invoice — Full details: goods description, value, HS code, buyer and seller details
• Packing list — Quantities, weights, and dimensions per line item
• Bill of lading or airway bill — Carrier shipping document
• Certificate of origin — To claim preferential duty rates (SADC EPA, AfCFTA, AGOA)
• SAD 500 (Bill of Entry) — SARS customs declaration, submitted electronically by your clearing agent
• SARS importer registration — RCG or importer code required

What Does JLog Handle for HS Code 1605.59 Imports?

JLog is a 3PL and customs clearance specialist in Woodstock, Cape Town. For goods under HS Code 1605.59:

• HS code verification and tariff advice before you ship
• Commercial invoice and packing list preparation to SARS standards
• FedEx or DHL direct account booking for express imports
• SAD 500 electronic customs declaration filing
• Duty and VAT payment facilitation
• SARS query resolution and examination coordination
• Final-mile delivery to your Cape Town address via our Woodstock facility
• Real-time shipment tracking

Last verified: March 2026 | Duty rates sourced from SARS Schedule 1 (Customs and Excise Act, 1964). Rates subject to change — confirm with SARS or JLog before importing.

Get a Quote — Importing Under HS Code 1605.59

Contact JLog for a complete import cost breakdown including duty, VAT, freight, and our clearance fee.

[email protected] | +27 21 300 6099 | jlog.co.za/contact-us/