HS 4804Wood & Paper · South Africa

Kraftliner (Containerboard) - HS 4804 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into South Africa

Duty and tax snapshot for importing wood & paper (HS 4804) into South Africa. Typical MFN duty ~5%, VAT 15% on assessable value + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

VAT

15%

Total taxes / CIF

22.8%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 50,000 FOB parcel of wood & paper (HS 4804) shipped to South Africa.

FOB valueUSD 50,000

Origin chargesUSD 750

FreightUSD 4,000

InsuranceUSD 250

CIFUSD 55,000

Assessable value (CIF + 10% landing)USD 60,500

Import duty @ 5%USD 3,025

VAT @ 15%USD 9,529

Destination inlandUSD 1,000

Landed cost ≈ USD 68,554

Run your own numbers in the Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
4804.11	Unbleached kraftliner

South Africa duty regime

SACU Common External Tariff shared with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia. Preferential rates under SADC, AfCFTA, SACU-EFTA, SACU-Mercosur, SADC-EU EPA and SACU+M-UK.

Customs notes

· 8-digit HS code (WCO 6 + 2 SACU national digits) administered by SARS Customs.
· SARS EDI Customs Interface is the electronic clearance system; SAD 500 declaration format.
· AGOA (US preferential access) eligibility is reviewed annually and select goods have been suspended - verify current status per HS line.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical import duty on wood & paper (HS 4804) into South Africa?

South Africa applies an MFN duty of about 5% on HS chapter 4804 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (SACU Common External Tariff shared with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

How is VAT calculated on imports of wood & paper in South Africa?

South Africa charges VAT at 15% on the assessable value (CIF + landing uplift) plus duty. SACU CET; VAT on (CIF+10% uplift)+duty

What is the landed cost of a USD 50,000 FOB shipment of wood & paper into South Africa?

On a USD 50,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 55,000. Applying 5% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 12,554 (~22.8% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 68,554.

Which HS code should I use for wood & paper in South Africa?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 4804.11 (Unbleached kraftliner). South Africa customs then requires the full national code (8- to 10-digit national tariff line). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Which Incoterm is best for shipping wood & paper to South Africa?

Most importers into South Africa prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and VAT to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

What documents does South Africa customs need to clear HS 4804?

8-digit HS code (WCO 6 + 2 SACU national digits) administered by SARS Customs. Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.