JLog is the official logistics carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and runs specialist art shipping & SARS clearance for galleries, collectors, and auction houses.
HS 9701.21 covers Original oil paintings imported into South Africa. Under this six-digit subheading, the General (MFN) customs duty under SARS Schedule 1 is free (0%). The customs value is the FOB (free on board) value of the goods — freight and insurance are excluded. Import VAT is then VAT = ((FOB customs value × 1.10) + customs duty) × 15%. JLog is a Cape Town customs clearance specialist, based in Woodstock, that clears consignments under HS 9701.21 through Cape Town and OR Tambo with direct FedEx and DHL accounts and paired customs work at both ends. On a R2 000 declared consignment the duty is R0 and import VAT is about R330, for roughly R2 330 landed before freight. For an exact, classification-checked landed cost, request a JLog quote.
HS Code 9701.21: Original oil paintings
HS Code 9701.21 covers Original oil paintings under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses this code to classify Original oil paintings for all import and export customs declarations.
Customs Duty Rate
The customs duty rate for HS Code 9701.21 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 9701.21?
This tariff heading covers Original oil paintings. 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 9701.21
To move goods under HS Code 9701.21 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 9701.21
JLog provides customs clearance for goods under HS Code 9701.21. We handle the full SARS submission — from checking documents to lodging declarations and managing SARS queries.
We also provide DutyCheq — real-time customs clearance tracking so you can monitor your SARS submission status at every step.
Contact JLog: [email protected] | 021 300 6099
Shipping goods in this category? JLog handles art & antique shipping and customs — direct FedEx & DHL accounts, white-glove handling, quote in 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS Code 9701.21 used for?
HS Code 9701.21 is the official tariff code for Original oil paintings under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. It appears on all customs declarations for these goods.
What duty do I pay on HS Code 9701.21?
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 9701.21?
Not legally, but most importers use one to ensure correct filing. JLog can clear goods under HS Code 9701.21 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
- DutyCheq — 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
Import duty, VAT and a worked landed-cost example for HS 9701.21
General customs duty: Free (0%) · VAT: 15% on the ATV
Duty basis: the General/MFN rate from SARS Schedule 1. The customs value is the FOB goods value (freight and insurance excluded). Only the country of origin, with a valid origin certificate, unlocks a preferential rate.
Worked example — R2 000 declared consignment:
| Customs value (FOB goods value) | R2 000 |
| Customs duty (General): Free (0%) | R0 |
| ATV = (R2 000 × 1.10) + R0 | R2 200 |
| Import VAT (15% of ATV) | R330 |
| Duty + VAT payable | R330 |
| Landed cost before freight | R2 330 |
Duty is charged on the FOB customs value only — freight and insurance are excluded. VAT = ((FOB customs value × 1.10) + customs duty) × 15%. The 10% upliftment does not apply to goods of BLNS/SACU origin (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini). Freight, insurance and clearing fees are added to the total on top. Figures are indicative; request a quote for an exact, classification-checked landed cost.
Last updated: 4 July 2026
Speak to JLog’s Cape Town customs team: [email protected] · 021 300 6099
Frequently asked questions about HS 9701.21
What is the import duty on HS 9701.21 in South Africa?
Is VAT charged when importing HS 9701.21?
What would it cost to land a R2,000 HS 9701.21 consignment?
Can JLog clear HS 9701.21 through Cape Town?
Which documents are needed to import HS 9701.21?
How long do I have to clear goods into South Africa?
Current SARS duty rates — HS 9701.21
| 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 26 Jul 2026 from SARS tariff book.
Shipping rates from South Africa — HS 9701.21
| Destination | Carrier | From (ZAR / 10kg) | Transit days |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH | FedEx | 2,054.03 | 3 |
| NZ | FedEx | 2,232.84 | 5 |
| BR | FedEx | 2,883.90 | 8 |
| JP | FedEx | 2,232.84 | 5 |
| CA | FedEx | 2,323.09 | 4 |
| IN | FedEx | 2,189.82 | 8 |
| CN | DHL Express | 5,294.28 | 3 |
| SG | FedEx | 2,232.84 | 5 |
| AE | FedEx | 2,189.82 | 5 |
| NL | FedEx | 2,054.03 | 3 |