Trade Shake-Up: 2026 AfCFTA Duty-Free Rules for SA Businesses

It’s a seismic shift, hundreds of products are set for reduced or zero tariffs, new compliance checks are coming in, and the window to get your house in order is now open.

After months of hanging in limbo, the dust has finally settled. Regulators have spoken, new schedules are in black and white, and customs systems are officially up to speed. For every South African business with its eye on African markets, there’s now a clear, enforceable roadmap to real, practical duty-free trade.

What’s on the Cards and When?

Circle 1 January 2026 in red. That’s when the new rules land, rewriting Part 1 of Schedule No. 1 to the Customs & Excise Act. This isn’t just another round of trade talk, these are binding legal changes that lay out, line by line, which tariffs are heading south and by how much. For manufacturers and exporters, AfCFTA’s promise is no longer pie in the sky. It’s locked in the customs code.

Who Needs to Pay Attention?

The reach is wide. Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, or exporter, these changes are going to affect your business. The technical details sit in the new tariff schedules, but let’s put it plain: if your products involve organic chemicals, glass, copper, or base metals, this is the time to get your ducks in a row. Chapters 29, 38, 68, 70, 74, and 83 are just the start.

And there’s a new wrinkle, “safeguard measures” now sit in Schedule No. 2. While the doors are opening for trade, government still has the tools to slap on temporary duties if local industry looks threatened by a surge in imports.

The real key is the Rules of Origin (RoO). AfCFTA aims to open up 90% of tariff lines, but you only get the benefit if your goods meet strict origin criteria. Where and how your products are made matters, so check the details.

South African Revenue Service (SARS) has done its homework. From 1 November 2025, the Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) system is open for AfCFTA business. Out goes the endless paperwork; in comes digital registration. If you haven’t sorted your electronic registration yet, best you move quickly, otherwise you risk missing the duty-free boat.

Ready, Set, Go: Your AfCFTA Checklist

If you want to be ready when the doors open in January 2026, here’s what needs doing:

• Double-check your product’s tariff heading, has there been a shake-up? Reclassify if needed.

• Make sure your goods tick all the boxes under the Rules of Origin. No shortcuts, if you miss the mark, standard duties still apply.

• Register with SARS on the RLA system as an AfCFTA exporter or producer.

• Keep a sharp eye on Schedule No. 2 for any safeguard measures that could impact your savings.

Unlocking the Opportunity

Wading through 120-plus pages of tariff lines and new rules can feel daunting. That’s where the right logistics partner steps in. DHL knows African trade inside out, from customs paperwork to moving your goods across borders. With our expertise, you can focus on growing your customer base while we handle the heavy lifting, compliance, and documentation.

Keep tabs on the SARS website for the latest tweaks and technical notes. The foundation is set, but as with any trade regime, your customs team needs to stay alert and agile.

Are You AfCFTA-Ready?

The new AfCFTA phase-down isn’t just policy, it’s a real chance to sharpen your competitive edge with lower input costs. Now’s the time to check your tariff codes, confirm your origin status, register with SARS, and team up with a logistics provider that knows Africa like home. Need help with your export paperwork, certificates of origin, or just want to talk strategy? DHL is here to make your AfCFTA journey smooth and successful.

The next chapter of African trade is already being written. Make sure your business is on the right side of the border.