HS 871200: Bicycles and other cycles, not motorised — South Africa Import, Export & Duty Guide

HS code: 871200 · Chapter: 87 · Heading: 8712 · Latest reporting year: 2025 · Group: Surprise / Sports goods

At a glance

• South Africa exported $17.95M worth of Bicycles and other cycles under HS 871200 in 2025.
• South Africa imported $121.05M worth of the same goods in 2025.
• The 2025 trade balance is a $103.10M deficit.
• Top export destinations: Namibia, Malawi, Zambia.
• Top import origins: China, Other Asia, nes, Spain.

What HS 871200 covers

HS 871200 is the six-digit Harmonised System code for Bicycles and other cycles; including delivery tricycles, not motorised. It sits within Chapter 87 (heading 8712) 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 871200

The table below shows annual South African trade values reported to UN Comtrade for HS 871200. 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 267.0K kg and imports n/a — 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 871200. 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.
• Bicycles specifically: ITAC import permits are required for some bicycle categories. SABS Letter of Authority covers e-bikes with batteries; lithium-ion cells must move under UN3480/UN3481 dangerous goods rules by air.

How JLog helps with HS 871200

Sports-goods customs handling, IP-protected brand verification (crucial for bicycle brand authenticity), and fragile-but-bulky freight management — carton stacking, cycle-frame protection, and consolidated containers for multi-bike shipments.

Freight modes we use for this lane: Ocean LCL/FCL, air for express bikes.

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 871200 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 871200?

HS 871200 is the six-digit Harmonised System tariff code for Bicycles and other cycles; including delivery tricycles, not motorised. 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 871200 in South Africa?

The duty rate is set on the eight-digit SARS tariff line that starts with 871200. 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 871200 with?

South Africa’s top export destinations for HS 871200 include Namibia, Malawi, Zambia. Top import origins include China, Other Asia, nes, Spain.

Do I need a permit to import or export under HS 871200?

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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