HS Code 8453.20 — Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins or leather (excluding sewing machines):

HS Code 8453.20: Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins or leather (excluding sewing
machines): Machinery for making or repairing footwear

HS Code 8453.20 covers Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins or leather (excluding sewing
machines): Machinery for making or repairing footwear under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins or leather (excluding sewing
machines): Machinery for making or repairing footwear for all import and export customs declarations.

Customs Duty Rate

The customs duty rate for HS Code 8453.20 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.

What Falls Under HS Code 8453.20?

This tariff heading covers Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins or leather (excluding sewing
machines): Machinery for making or repairing footwear. All importers and exporters must use this code on SARS customs declarations (SAD500), commercial invoices, and shipping documents.

How to Import or Export Under HS Code 8453.20

To move goods under HS Code 8453.20 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 Customs Clearance for HS Code 8453.20

JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 8453.20. 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 8453.20 used for?
HS Code 8453.20 is the official tariff code for Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins or leather (excluding sewing
machines): Machinery for making or repairing footwear under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.

What duty do I pay on HS Code 8453.20?
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 8453.20?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 8453.20 on your behalf.

Last updated: 2026. Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule.

Related JLog Services

JLog provides customs clearance services for goods under this HS code. Our team handles SARS submissions, documentation, and query management.

• Customs Clearance South Africa — Full SARS clearance service
• ClearSA — Real-time customs monitoring platform
• TradeReady — SARS importer/exporter registration
• HS Code Directory — Browse all 10,402 South African tariff codes

JLog — Customs Clearance and Logistics Technology, Cape Town