VAT & Import Duty Calculator for South Africa Imports
Estimate the VAT and import duty you will pay on goods entering South Africa with our free VAT & Import Duty Calculator. This tool helps you calculate SARS taxes based on your goods’ FOB value and applicable duty rate, giving you an accurate estimate before importing.
How the VAT & Import Duty Calculator Works
Our VAT and import duty calculator works in three simple steps:
- Enter the FOB value of your goods – This is the invoice value of the goods in South African Rand (ZAR). Note that SARS may use slightly different exchange rates if you paid in foreign currency.
- Enter your product’s duty rate – Check the SARS Import Duty Lookup tool to find the applicable duty percentage for your goods.
- View the calculated amounts – The calculator provides:
- The import duty you will pay
- The VAT payable on your imported goods
- The total amount payable including both duty and VAT
Optional: Expand the calculator to calculate duty per unit and include any additional charges that may apply.
Understanding Import Duty & VAT in South Africa
Import Duty
Import duty is a tax enforced by SARS on goods brought into South Africa. The percentage varies by product type and is designed to protect local trade. You can confirm the duty rate for your products using the SARS Import Duty Lookup tool.
Import VAT
All imported goods are subject to 15% VAT, calculated on the cost of goods plus import duty. This is different from the standard VAT applied to domestic purchases.
Example Calculation
Suppose you import goods worth R10,000 with a duty rate of 5%:
- Duty Tax: R10,000 × 5% = R500
- VAT: (R10,000 + R500) × 15% = R1,575
- Total Payable: R10,000 + R500 + R1,575 = R12,075
This estimate allows you to plan your costs accurately before making purchases from international suppliers.
VAT Calculator
Get started with importing and exporting:
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.
Have a question?
We can provide free qualified guidance to help get you started with your import or export venture.
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