HS 392690: Plastic Articles — South Africa Import, Export & Duty Guide

HS code: 392690 · Chapter: 39 · Heading: 3926 · Latest reporting year: 2025 · Group: Defend / Grow

Understanding HS Code 3926.90 Classifications

HS code 3926.90 covers miscellaneous plastic articles and composite materials—a broad category that often confuses importers and exporters. Correctly classifying goods under HS code 3926.90 ensures smooth customs clearance and avoids costly delays. At JLog in Cape Town, our customs clearance specialists have extensive experience navigating HS code 3926.90 classifications for e-commerce and industrial shipments. Let us simplify your import-export process. Contact our team today for expert guidance.

Understanding HS Code 3926.90 Classification

HS code 3926.90 covers miscellaneous plastic articles and materials from headings 39.01 to 39.14—a broad category that requires expert knowledge to classify correctly. Misclassification can delay your shipment or trigger costly penalties. At JLog in Cape Town, our customs clearance specialists understand HS code 3926.90 nuances and ensure your imports and exports clear seamlessly. Let us handle the complexity whilst you focus on your business.

At a glance

• South Africa exported $445.46M worth of Plastics under HS 392690 in 2025.
• South Africa imported $1.17B worth of the same goods in 2025.
• The 2025 trade balance is a $727.72M deficit.
• Top export destinations: Namibia, Botswana, USA.
• Top import origins: China, Germany, USA.

What HS 392690 covers

HS 392690 is the six-digit Harmonised System code for Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39. It sits within Chapter 39 (heading 3926) of the World Customs Organisation tariff structure that South Africa applies through SARS as the SACU common external tariff. The HS6 level is the most granular code shared internationally — your country may add two or four further digits for its national tariff (in South Africa, the full eight-digit code is the SARS tariff line).

Importers and exporters use this code on every customs declaration: Bill of Entry SAD500, commercial invoice, and packing list. Getting the HS code right is the single biggest determinant of the duty rate you pay, the permits you need, and whether your shipment clears Customs at the first attempt.

South Africa trade flows under HS 392690

The table below shows annual South African trade values reported to UN Comtrade for HS 392690. All figures are in USD, sourced directly from the UN Comtrade API (reporterCode=710, partnerCode=0 — World aggregate).

In 2025, reported net weight on exports was 146.99M kg and imports 376.06M kg — useful context when sizing containers and air uplift.

Where the trade goes

Top 10 export destinations — 2025

Top 10 import origins — 2025

Customs and compliance specifics

• South African tariff lookup: Search the SARS Schedule 1 Part 1 tariff book for the eight-digit line that starts with 392690. The duty rate, VAT (15%), and any rebates or surcharges live on the eight-digit line, not the six-digit HS code.
• Bill of Entry SAD500: This code is what your clearing agent enters into the Customs Procedure Code (CPC), Tariff Heading, and Statistical fields. The HS6 must match what you put on the commercial invoice.
• Origin documents: If you are exporting under AGOA, SADC, SACU-EFTA, EU EPA, UK EPA, or Mercosur preferences, the certificate of origin and supplier declaration reference the HS code. A wrong code voids the preference.
• Permits: Some HS codes in this range may require ITAC import permits, SAPS firearms control board sign-off, DALRRD agriculture permits, or CITES wildlife trade certificates. Check the SARS Prohibited and Restricted Imports list before shipping.

How JLog helps with HS 392690

General customs entry, freight optimisation across air/sea/road, value-protected handling for higher-priced consignments, and duty-line guidance for both inbound and outbound moves.

Freight modes we use for this lane: Air freight, ocean LCL/FCL, road freight.

JLog is a specialist South African 3PL based in Cape Town, with direct accounts with FedEx, DHL Express, MDS Collivery, Bob Go, and 11 domestic couriers. We are the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and handle inbound and outbound flows for e-commerce merchants, manufacturers, galleries, and freight forwarders across Southern Africa.

To get a quote for HS 392690 shipments — including duty-line modelling, container consolidation, and customs entry — contact us at info@jlog.co.za or +27 21 300 6099.

Frequently asked questions

What is HS code 392690?

HS 392690 is the six-digit Harmonised System tariff code for Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39. It is the internationally standardised code used on customs declarations, certificates of origin, and shipping documentation worldwide.

How much duty do I pay on HS 392690 in South Africa?

The duty rate is set on the eight-digit SARS tariff line that starts with 392690. South Africa applies the SACU common external tariff plus 15% VAT on the customs value. Preferential rates may apply under SADC, EU EPA, UK EPA, EFTA, AGOA, or Mercosur agreements. Contact JLog for a duty estimate on your specific cargo.

Which countries does South Africa trade HS 392690 with?

South Africa’s top export destinations for HS 392690 include Namibia, Botswana, USA. Top import origins include China, Germany, USA.

Do I need a permit to import or export under HS 392690?

Some HS codes in this range require ITAC import permits, SAPS clearance, DALRRD agriculture certificates, or CITES wildlife trade permits. JLog’s customs desk will check the SARS Prohibited and Restricted Imports list and the ITAC permit register before quoting the shipment.

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