SSLT Global
ZA

South Africa Import & Export Toolkit

Southern Africa's largest economy at the head of SACU. Price shipments correctly using our LC, duty + 15% VAT (on the SA-specific 10% uplifted base), HS and Incoterms tools.

Currency
ZAR (South African Rand)
VAT
15%
Base = (CIF + 10% uplift) + customs duty. The 10% uplift is a legacy statutory add-on used only for VAT-on-imports calculation.
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.
Regulatory deep-dive
South Africa import & export regulations →
South Africa import/export rules: SARS customs, ITAC permits, NRCS conformity, exchange-control, AfCFTA & SACU.
Authorities · Licensing · Sanctions

Free calculators for South Africa trade

Major ports & gateways
  • · Durban
  • · Cape Town
  • · Port Elizabeth
  • · Ngqura (Coega)
  • · Richards Bay
  • · Saldanha Bay
Top exports
  • · Platinum group metals
  • · Gold
  • · Iron ore & manganese
  • · Coal
  • · Cars & auto parts
  • · Diamonds
  • · Citrus & wine
Top imports
  • · Refined petroleum
  • · Machinery
  • · Vehicles & parts
  • · Crude petroleum
  • · Electronics
  • · Pharmaceuticals
  • · Plastics

Trade finance in South Africa

  • · ZAR is a freely convertible G20 currency; ZAR LCs use ACT/365 and are commercially viable.
  • · South African banks (Standard Bank, FirstRand/RMB, Absa, Nedbank, Investec) quote 0.15-0.30% per quarter plus 15% VAT on fees. G7 confirmation on SA paper typically 0.20-0.60% per quarter.
  • · ECIC (Export Credit Insurance Corporation) provides political and commercial risk cover.
  • · SARB exchange control rules apply for non-resident payments - an authorised dealer (bank) endorses the transaction.

Customs & duty in South Africa

  • · 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.

Incoterms 2020 practice in South Africa

  • · FOB and CIF Durban / Cape Town / Ngqura dominate seaborne cargo.
  • · FCA at origin CY for containers.
  • · DDP into SA requires a locally registered VAT vendor as importer of record - practical for large multinationals only. Use DAP otherwise.

HS commodity guides for South Africa

Classification, duty and worked landed-cost examples for the commodity families most active on South Africa's trade lanes.

Every HS commodity landed-cost page for South Africa

Direct link to the South Africa import guide for each HS commodity we publish.

South Africa appears in the trade lanes for the commodities below. Each hub covers grades, specs, benchmark pricing and HS code references.

South Africa's key trading partners

Frequently asked questions

Why does SA use a 10% uplift for VAT?

The 10% uplift is a statutory add-on to CIF used only for VAT base calculation (CIF + 10% + duty). It's a legacy formula and applies uniformly to imports.

Country data compiled from WCO HS, WTO tariff schedules, national customs authorities and central banks. Duty, tax and regulatory information is decision-support only - always confirm with a licensed customs broker or your bank before acting.