China Zero Tariffs for African Exports (CAEPA): A Guide for South African Businesses

China has introduced a new trade agreement that offers zero tariffs on thousands of African exports, including goods from South Africa. Learn how exporters can qualify, obtain CAEPA Certificates of Origin, and benefit from duty-free access to the Chinese market.

Key Takeaways

• Zero tariffs have been introduced by China on thousands of goods from 53 African countries
• South Africa joined the scheme on 1 May 2026
• Exporters must obtain a CAEPA Certificate of Origin from SARS
• Some products remain subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs)
• Retrospective Certificates of Origin can be issued for qualifying shipments exported after 1 May 2026

What Is The China-Africa Zero Tariff Agreement?

China (PRC) announced in February 2026 that 53 African countries will be able to benefit from a preferential tariff agreement offering zero tariffs on thousands of goods exported to China. For South African exporters, the scheme came into effect on 1 May 2026 and will be valid until 30 April 2028. The agreement was formalised under the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA).

The aim of this preferential trade agreement is to open up the Chinese market to African products, to diversify goods in China, help to support economic growth in African countries, and to build diplomatic relations between China and the continent of Africa.

What Does This New Agreement Mean For Traders In South Africa?

The new tariff schedule gives exporters from 53 African countries duty-free access to China on thousands of product lines. For South African exporters, this creates opportunities to improve price competitiveness, expand market access, and increase export volumes.

To qualify for this, the exported goods must:

• Be listed on the tariff schedule
• Meet the applicable rules of origin requirements
• Be supported with a valid CAEPA Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by SARS

Traders will not be allowed to clear products at customs in China duty-free unless these conditions are met.

Although thousands of tariff lines have had duties removed entirely, it is worth noting that some will be subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). This means that there is a quota on volumes for certain goods that can enter the country duty-free, but once this quota is fulfilled then they will have high tariffs applied to them. The goods that are subject to these TRQs can be found on the tariff schedule.

Registration And Applications

To be eligible for CAEPA certificates of origin the trader needs to be registered with SARS as an exporter first. Goods that originate in South Africa that are to be exported to China need to have the original CAEPA Certificates of Origin. This can be applied for and obtained at a SARS branch office.

Retrospective CAEPA Certificates Of Origin Available For May 2026 Exports

SARS has finalised the necessary legislative frameworks to implement the scheme, and it is possible to access the CAEPA certificates of origin on the SARS website as of 1 June 2026. Exporters who shipped or cleared qualifying goods on or after 1 May 2026 can apply for retrospective CAEPA certificates of origin and still benefit from China’s zero-tariff programme.

Where a CAEPA certificates of origin has not yet been issued, importers may be required to pay a deposit to Chinese customs. This deposit will be refunded once a valid CAEPA certificates of origin is submitted. These retrospective CAEPA certificates of origin are only valid for a year, and will contain the words ‘ISSUED RETROSPECTIVELY’ to indicate that they are retrospectively done.

Conclusion

China’s new zero-tariff programme represents one of the most significant trade opportunities for African exporters in recent years. For South African businesses, duty-free access to the Chinese market could improve competitiveness, reduce costs for importers, and create new export opportunities across multiple industries.

To take advantage of these benefits, exporters must ensure that their products meet the applicable Rules of Origin requirements and are supported by a valid SARS-issued CAEPA Certificate of Origin. Businesses that have already exported qualifying goods since 1 May 2026 may also be able to claim benefits retrospectively through the issuance of retrospective CAEPA Certificates of Origin.

Contact us today to get your certificates of origin so that your business can benefit from this new trade agreement for African exports to China.

Quick Answer FAQs

1. When did China’s zero-tariff scheme start for South Africa?

The scheme came into effect for South African exports on 1 May 2026.

2. Do all South-African products qualify for duty-free treatment?

Thousands of South African products qualify for zero-tariff treatment; however, exporters should consult the tariff schedule.

There are tariff rate quotes for some products, meaning that up to a certain volume there are zero tariffs, and then high duties are incurred after the quota is reached. These products include:

• Wheat
• Maize
• Rice
• Sugar
• Cotton
• Wool and some wool products

3. What documents are required?

Only registered exporters are eligible to export under the scheme. Exporters need to provide a valid CAEPA Certificate of Origin from SARS.

4. Can I claim benefits for shipments already exported?

Yes. Retrospective CAEPA Certificates of Origin may be issued for qualifying shipments exported on or after 1 May 2026.