HS Code 8540.40 — Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes, cathode-ray tubes,

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Quick answer HS 8540.40 — Import duty free (0%) · VAT 15% on ATV (FOB + 10% uplift + duty) · Clearance via Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban.
Import duty
free (0%)
on FOB value
Import VAT
15%
on ATV
Duty base
FOB
SARS standard
Clearance
24–48h
Green channel
SARS control  Permit / certificate required
For import to South Africa

HS Code 8540.40: Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes,
cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes): Data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes,
colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0,4 mm

HS Code 8540.40 covers Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes,
cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes): Data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes,
colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0,4 mm under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes,
cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes): Data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes,
colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0,4 mm for all import and export customs declarations.

Customs Duty Rate

The customs duty rate for HS Code 8540.40 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.

What Falls Under HS Code 8540.40?

This tariff heading covers Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes,
cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes): Data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes,
colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0,4 mm. 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 8540.40

To move goods under HS Code 8540.40 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 8540.40

JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 8540.40. 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 8540.40 used for?
HS Code 8540.40 is the official tariff code for Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes,
cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes): Data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes,
colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0,4 mm under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.

What duty do I pay on HS Code 8540.40?
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 8540.40?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 8540.40 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.

JLog — Customs Clearance and Logistics Technology, Cape Town

Current SARS duty rates — HS 8540.40

ItemRate
General dutyfree
SADC preferentialfree
EU EPAfree
UK EPAfree
EFTAfree
MERCOSURfree
AfCFTAfree
AGOASee SARS Schedule 4 for AGOA-specific provisions
VAT15%

Last verified 23 Aug 2026 from SARS tariff book.

Shipping rates from South Africa — HS 8540.40

DestinationCarrierFrom (ZAR / 10kg)Transit days
CHFedEx2,701.963
NZFedEx2,271.605
BRFedEx2,933.978
JPFedEx2,271.605
CAFedEx2,363.434
INFedEx2,227.848
CNDHL Express5,437.373
SGFedEx2,271.605
AEFedEx2,227.845
NLFedEx2,140.693

Get a shipping quote for HS 8540.40

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