HS Code 8537.20.40 — Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of electricity,

HS Code 8537.20.40: Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of
electricity, including those incorporating instruments or apparatus of Chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excluding switching apparatus of heading 85.17): Not flameproof, with a current rating not exceeding 1 600 A, for a
voltage exceeding 36 kV (AC) but not exceeding 72,5 kV (AC) and a
breaking capacity rating exceeding 21 900 A (excluding gas insulated
metal clad switchgear)

HS Code 8537.20.40 covers Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of
electricity, including those incorporating instruments or apparatus of Chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excluding switching apparatus of heading 85.17): Not flameproof, with a current rating not exceeding 1 600 A, for a
voltage exceeding 36 kV (AC) but not exceeding 72,5 kV (AC) and a
breaking capacity rating exceeding 21 900 A (excluding gas insulated
metal clad switchgear) under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of
electricity, including those incorporating instruments or apparatus of Chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excluding switching apparatus of heading 85.17): Not flameproof, with a current rating not exceeding 1 600 A, for a
voltage exceeding 36 kV (AC) but not exceeding 72,5 kV (AC) and a
breaking capacity rating exceeding 21 900 A (excluding gas insulated
metal clad switchgear) for all import and export customs declarations.

Customs Duty Rate

The customs duty rate for HS Code 8537.20.40 is 15%. 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 8537.20.40?

This tariff heading covers Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of
electricity, including those incorporating instruments or apparatus of Chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excluding switching apparatus of heading 85.17): Not flameproof, with a current rating not exceeding 1 600 A, for a
voltage exceeding 36 kV (AC) but not exceeding 72,5 kV (AC) and a
breaking capacity rating exceeding 21 900 A (excluding gas insulated
metal clad switchgear). 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 8537.20.40

To move goods under HS Code 8537.20.40 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 Customs Clearance for HS Code 8537.20.40

JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 8537.20.40. 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 8537.20.40 used for?
HS Code 8537.20.40 is the official tariff code for Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of
electricity, including those incorporating instruments or apparatus of Chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excluding switching apparatus of heading 85.17): Not flameproof, with a current rating not exceeding 1 600 A, for a
voltage exceeding 36 kV (AC) but not exceeding 72,5 kV (AC) and a
breaking capacity rating exceeding 21 900 A (excluding gas insulated
metal clad switchgear) under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.

What duty do I pay on HS Code 8537.20.40?
The customs duty rate is 15%. 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 8537.20.40?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 8537.20.40 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