HS 3903Plastics & Rubber · South Africa

Polystyrene (PS) - HS 3903 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into South Africa

Duty and tax snapshot for importing plastics & rubber (HS 3903) into South Africa. Typical MFN duty ~6%, 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

24.1%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 45,000 FOB parcel of plastics & rubber (HS 3903) shipped to South Africa.

FOB valueUSD 45,000

Origin chargesUSD 675

FreightUSD 3,600

InsuranceUSD 225

CIFUSD 49,500

Assessable value (CIF + 10% landing)USD 54,450

Import duty @ 6%USD 3,267

VAT @ 15%USD 8,658

Destination inlandUSD 900

Landed cost ≈ USD 62,325

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

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
3903.19	Polystyrene, other than expansible
3901.90	Polymers of ethylene, other

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 plastics & rubber (HS 3903) into South Africa?

South Africa applies an MFN duty of about 6% on HS chapter 3903 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 plastics & rubber 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 45,000 FOB shipment of plastics & rubber into South Africa?

On a USD 45,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 49,500. Applying 6% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 11,925 (~24.1% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 62,325.

Which HS code should I use for plastics & rubber in South Africa?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 3903.19 (Polystyrene, other than expansible). 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 plastics & rubber 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 3903?

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.