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What is a tariff (HS) code?

Tariff codes (also called HS codes or commodity codes) are the numerical codes customs authorities across the world use to classify goods for taxation and regulation.

Everything you need to know about clearing your goods for import and/or export will depend on what classification it falls under in the South African tariff book. Almost every country’s tariff book is created based on the international HS system, which contains all the classification types.

To find the tariff codes on a particular product or material you want to import, export, or manufacture, follow the steps below in our tariff code lookup tool.

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How to determine the tariff/HS/commodity code for your import or export

Step 1 – Find your chapter

To determine your tariff code, we’ll look at Schedule 1 of the South African Customs and Excise Act.

This Schedule is divided into sections which are subdivided into chapters. Click the button below to consult the Schedule 1 Chapter Index and determine which sections and chapters may be relevant to your goods.

Step 2 – Consult Schedule 1 Part 1

Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Customs and Excise Act lists all the tariff codes that exist within the HS system in numerical order, according to section and chapter. Click the button below to open Schedule 1 Part 1, and navigate toward the chapters you’ve identified in Step 1.

Step 3 – Read the relevant section and chapter notes

Each section in Schedule 1 Part 1 starts with a few section notes, and each chapter starts with a few chapter notes. These notes often contain exceptions to what is included in the section or chapter and can give you a good indication of where else to look if your goods happen to be the exception.

Step 4 – Find your heading and subheading

Each chapter in Schedule 1 Part 1 is divided into tariff headings. Headings are the lines with only 4 digits in the first column called “Heading/Subheading”. These lines are easily visible because they are highlighted in grey.

Look through your chapter for the most applicable heading to your goods.

The codes under a heading are also divided into subheadings – these can help you further narrow down your search.

Step 5 – Identify your tariff (HS) code

Carefully read the text in the “Article Description” column for each of the codes that fall under your heading or subheading.

The description best suited to your goods corresponds to your tariff code.

You may find more than one description relevant to your goods. In this case, it is advisable to have a tariff classification done. To enquire about a professional tariff code classification click the button below.

How to write a tariff (HS) code

Tariff codes must be written in the below format.

Where a 7th and 8th digit (subdivision) is not provided by the tariff book .00 is used.

The check digit that goes at the end of the code is only relevant in a South African context as a means for SARS to double-check the code’s relevance. The check digit for your tariff code can be found in the column of Schedule 1 Part 1 called CD.

Important

This document serves merely as a guide. Import Export License does not take any liability for any incorrect interpretation of this information. For an in-depth understanding of tariff codes and doing your tariff classifications, we recommend signing up for online training on tariff codes and the HS system.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an import export license?

It is a number, or code, that you receive when you register at customs as an importer, exporter, or both. It is also referred to as a customs code, CNN number, customs client number or customs registration number. It allows an individual or business to clear goods through customs and to make international payments for imported and exported goods.

When do I need an import export license?

An import export license is officially required when:

  • The total imported/exported cargo is R150 000 or more in one calendar year; or
  • You are importing for resale or commercial gain and not for your own personal use.
  • You are making an advance payment above R50 000 for goods still to be imported and require an APN (advanced payment notification) number.
  • You are not a natural person, for example a company
  • You are involved in other customs activities such as trade agreements, rebates or bond stores.

You also require a customs license if you want to make or receive an international payment for imported or exported goods through your bank (this is not necessary if you use your credit card, but credit card transactions typically involve very high forex costs).

Can I use an import export license to import or export anything from or to any country?

Yes, one import export license covers all goods traded across the South African border. Note that some regulated goods require an additional permit. You can search your product in our prohibited and regulated goods look up to see if there are any additional requirements.
You can use the same license to import from or export to different countries. If you export goods to a country that has a trade agreement with South Africa we recommend that you get the associated certificate of origin so that your buyers benefit from the import duty tax saving.

Do I need to pay any yearly fees once I've received my license?

No, yearly fees are not applicable to import export licenses.

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