HS 61 & 62Consumer goods · South Africa

HS Code for Textiles & Apparel - Import into South Africa

Duty and tax snapshot for importing consumer goods (HS 61 & 62) into South Africa. Typical MFN duty ~40%, VAT 15% on assessable value + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

40%

VAT

15%

Total taxes / CIF

67.1%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 30,000 FOB parcel of consumer goods (HS 61 & 62) shipped to South Africa.

FOB valueUSD 30,000

Origin chargesUSD 450

FreightUSD 2,400

InsuranceUSD 150

CIFUSD 33,000

Assessable value (CIF + 10% landing)USD 36,300

Import duty @ 40%USD 14,520

VAT @ 15%USD 7,623

Destination inlandUSD 600

Landed cost ≈ USD 55,743

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

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
6109.10	T-shirts, singlets and other vests, of cotton, knitted
6110.20	Sweaters, pullovers, cardigans - cotton, knitted
6203.42	Men's trousers and shorts of cotton (not knitted)
6204.62	Women's trousers and shorts of cotton (not knitted)
6205.20	Men's shirts of cotton
6404.11	Sports footwear with textile uppers

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 consumer goods (HS 61 & 62) into South Africa?

South Africa applies an MFN duty of about 40% on HS chapter 61 & 62 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 consumer goods 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 30,000 FOB shipment of consumer goods into South Africa?

On a USD 30,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 33,000. Applying 40% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 22,143 (~67.1% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 55,743.

Which HS code should I use for consumer goods in South Africa?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 6109.10 (T-shirts, singlets and other vests, of cotton, knitted). 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 consumer goods 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 61 & 62?

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.