HS Code 8438.40 covers Machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in this Chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, (excluding machinery for the extraction or
preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils: Brewery machinery under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in this Chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, (excluding machinery for the extraction or
preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils: Brewery machinery for all import and export customs declarations.
The customs duty rate for HS Code 8438.40 is free (0%). Duty is calculated on the FOB customs value (the goods value at the point of loading onto the carrier; international freight and insurance are not part of the duty base). Import VAT is then 15% of the Added Tax Value (ATV) — customs value + 10% uplift (for non-SACU origin; nil for BLNS countries) + non-rebated duty.
This tariff heading covers Machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in this Chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, (excluding machinery for the extraction or
preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils: Brewery machinery. All importers and exporters must use this code on SARS customs declarations (SAD500), commercial invoices, and shipping documents.
To move goods under HS Code 8438.40 across South African borders, you must be registered with SARS as an importer or exporter. JLog’s TradeReady service handles SARS registration. Once registered, a customs declaration is lodged by you or a licensed broker.
JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 8438.40. We handle the full SARS submission — from checking documents to lodging declarations and managing SARS queries.
We also provide ClearSA — real-time customs clearance tracking so you can monitor your SARS submission status at every step.
Contact JLog: [email protected] | 021 300 6099
What is HS Code 8438.40 used for?
HS Code 8438.40 is the official tariff code for Machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in this Chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, (excluding machinery for the extraction or
preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils: Brewery machinery under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.
What duty do I pay on HS Code 8438.40?
The customs duty rate is free (0%). Plus 15% VAT on import. Contact JLog for a full landed cost calculation including all applicable levies.
Do I need a customs broker for HS Code 8438.40?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 8438.40 on your behalf.
Last updated: 2026. Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule.
JLog provides customs clearance services for goods under this HS code. Our team handles SARS submissions, documentation, and query management.
JLog — Customs Clearance and Logistics Technology, Cape Town
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| General duty | free |
| SADC preferential | free |
| EU EPA | free |
| UK EPA | free |
| EFTA | free |
| MERCOSUR | free |
| AfCFTA | free |
| AGOA | See SARS Schedule 4 for AGOA-specific provisions |
| VAT | 15% |
Last verified 23 Aug 2026 from SARS tariff book.
| Destination | Carrier | From (ZAR / 10kg) | Transit days |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH | FedEx | 2,701.96 | 3 |
| NZ | FedEx | 2,271.60 | 5 |
| BR | FedEx | 2,933.97 | 8 |
| JP | FedEx | 2,271.60 | 5 |
| CA | FedEx | 2,363.43 | 4 |
| IN | FedEx | 2,227.84 | 8 |
| CN | DHL Express | 5,437.37 | 3 |
| SG | FedEx | 2,271.60 | 5 |
| AE | FedEx | 2,227.84 | 5 |
| NL | FedEx | 2,140.69 | 3 |