You’ve found what you need, compared prices and spotted a good deal. The seller ships to South Africa, the rand conversion looks manageable and you’re ready to check out. Then you remember customs.
The price on the website may not be the final amount you pay. Imported goods can attract customs duty, import VAT and other charges before they’re released for delivery. If you’re importing stock for your business, these costs can also affect your selling price and profit margin.
An import duty calculator can help you estimate the landed cost before you commit to a purchase. But to understand whether the estimate is realistic, you need to know which charges apply, how they’re calculated and what information you’ll need. This guide walks you through the process for imports into South Africa.
Importing goods into South Africa can involve more than the price paid to the seller. Depending on the shipment, your landed cost may include:
Customs duty: A charge on certain imported goods. The rate depends on factors such as the product’s tariff classification and customs value.
Import VAT: VAT charged on imported goods, generally at South Africa’s standard rate of 15%.
Other duties: Some goods may attract additional ad valorem, anti-dumping or countervailing duties.
Freight and insurance: The cost of transporting and insuring the shipment.
Other applicable fees: These may include customs clearance, handling or service charges, depending on the shipment.
Not every import attracts every charge. The total depends on the goods, their value, their origin and the customs rules that apply. For current requirements and duty information, check the South African Revenue Service (SARS) guidance for importers.
Two products with the same price can attract different import charges. Customs duty is not calculated on price alone. The product's tariff classification, customs value and country of origin all matter.
The Harmonised System (HS) is an international system for classifying traded goods. Customs authorities use product classifications to determine the duties, taxes and import requirements that may apply.
A smartphone, leather handbag and pair of shoes fall into different classifications. Even products that look similar can have different tariff codes depending on their materials, composition or intended use.
It’s important to use the right code. An incorrect classification can produce an inaccurate estimate and cause complications during customs clearance. DHL’s My Global Trade Services (MyGTS) platform includes a Tariff Code Finder, where you can search for codes using product keywords or an existing HS code.
SARS generally starts with the transaction value of imported goods: the price actually paid or payable for them. That figure is then subject to customs valuation rules and any required adjustments.
That means the customs value may not be identical to the amount shown on your shopping receipt. Depending on the circumstances, certain costs or adjustments may need to be included or excluded. See SARS guidance on customs valuation for more detail.
Where a product was manufactured or produced can affect the duty rate. South Africa has trade agreements with several countries and regional trading blocs, and goods that meet the relevant rules of origin may qualify for preferential rates.
The country you buy from isn’t necessarily the country where the goods originated. For example, buying a product from a UK retailer doesn’t automatically make it eligible for preferential treatment under a trade agreement. You’ll need accurate origin details and any supporting documents required to show that the goods qualify.
South Africa’s standard VAT rate is 15%. But import VAT isn’t simply 15% of the product’s purchase price. SARS calculates it on the Added Tax Value (ATV).
For goods imported from outside the Southern African Customs Union, the general calculation is:
ATV = Customs value + 10% of customs value + applicable non-rebated duties
Import VAT = ATV × 15%
The 10% uplift is part of the VAT calculation; it isn’t a separate 10% charge. Under the relevant conditions, the uplift does not apply to goods originating in, and imported from, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia or Eswatini.
For example, say an imported product has a customs value of R10,000 and attracts R500 in customs duty. If the uplift applies, the calculation would look like this:
In this example, import VAT is R1,725. Customs duty and VAT together come to R2,225, before freight, insurance and any other applicable charges.
This is an illustration, not a quote for every shipment. The actual amount depends on the customs value, applicable duties and origin rules.
Working out duty, VAT and other charges manually can get complicated. It gets harder still when you’re importing several products or sourcing stock from different countries.
DHL’s My Global Trade Services (MyGTS) offers international trade information and shipment-planning tools. Its Pre-shipment Planner includes a Landed Cost Estimator to help businesses estimate the cost of moving goods across borders.
To prepare an estimate, you’ll generally need details such as:
Origin and destination countries: Where the goods are being shipped from and imported to.
Product description or HS code: What you’re importing and its tariff classification.
Country of manufacture: Where the product was made or produced.
Product value: The value of the goods.
Related costs: For example, freight and insurance.
MyGTS also includes tools to support other parts of import planning. Use the Tariff Code Finder to search for product classifications, Trade Lane Comparison to review information across routes, and the Pre-shipment Planner to check relevant trade requirements and customs documents. You can also save product details and tariff codes in the Product Catalog for future reference.
Together, these tools can help you organise product information, review requirements and estimate costs before committing to a shipment.
A landed cost estimate is a planning tool, not a guarantee of the final amount payable at the border.
The final assessment depends on the information declared for the shipment and the customs rules that apply. A mistake in the product description, HS code, customs value or country of origin can change the charges. Some goods may also need additional documents, permits or inspections.
If you’re setting prices using an underestimated import cost, the difference can cut into your margin. Use an estimator early, check your product and origin details carefully, and leave room for a difference between the estimate and the final customs assessment.
Importing gives South African shoppers and businesses access to products and suppliers beyond the local market. Just remember: the purchase price is only one part of the expense.
Importing gives South African shoppers and businesses access to products and suppliers beyond the local market. Just remember: the purchase price is only one part of the expense.
Understanding customs duty, import VAT, freight and other applicable charges can help you make a more informed buying decision. For businesses, it also gives you a clearer view of landed costs when setting prices, managing margins and planning inventory.
DHL MyGTS can help you estimate costs, find tariff codes and check import requirements before shipping. Pair those tools with accurate product information and the right customs documentation to plan your next shipment with greater confidence.
Planning an international shipment to or from South Africa? Open a DHL Express Business Account to explore shipping services and tools for your import and export operations.
A pro forma invoice sets out the details of a proposed transaction before the sale is finalised. A commercial invoice, on the other hand, confirms the details of a completed transaction and plays an important role in customs clearance.
Put simply, these documents are used at different stages of an international shipment. To learn more about commercial invoices for shipments from South Africa, including their role in SARS customs clearance, read DHL’s Commercial Invoice Guide for International Shipping.
A pro forma invoice should usually include the buyer’s and seller’s details, a clear description of the goods, the quantity and estimated value, the currency, country of origin, shipping terms and any other relevant transaction information.
Requirements may differ depending on the goods and destination, so it pays to check what applies to your shipment. DHL’s guide to preparing a package for international shipping explains the practical steps and documentation needed to get your goods ready for international transport.
The paperwork you need will depend on what you’re shipping, where it’s going and the purpose of the shipment. While a pro forma invoice can establish the details of a proposed transaction, additional documents may be needed for transport and customs clearance.
Before your next shipment leaves South Africa, consult DHL’s international shipping paperwork guide to make sure you have the right documents in place.
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