Import Duty Calculator
Calculate South African import duty and VAT. CIF value + tariff rate + 15% VAT. De minimis R500 threshold for personal imports. Common HS codes included.
Quick Calculator Get a fast estimate
R
The declared customs value including shipping and insurance.
%
Check SARS Customs Tariff book for your HS code.
Total Import Cost
R 6 325
Import Duty
R 500
VAT (15%)
R 825
Total Duties & Taxes
R 1 325
Duties as % of Value
26.50%
CIF Value
R 5 000
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How Import Duty Works in SA
Import duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Then 15% VAT is applied to the CIF value plus the import duty. The formula: Total = CIF + Duty + VAT.
Personal imports under R500 CIF are generally exempt. Always check the SARS Customs Tariff Book for your specific HS code to determine the correct duty rate.
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R
%
Total Landed Cost
R 11 040
CIF Value
R 8 000
Import Duty
R 1 600
VAT (15%)
R 1 440
Import Duty Calculation Formula
CIF Value = Invoice Cost + Shipping + Insurance
Import Duty = CIF Value × Tariff Rate
VAT Base = CIF Value + Import Duty
VAT = VAT Base × 15%
Total Landed Cost = CIF Value + Import Duty + VAT
Example: R10,000 CIF, 20% duty:
Duty = R10,000 × 20% = R2,000
VAT = (R10,000 + R2,000) × 15% = R1,800
Total = R10,000 + R2,000 + R1,800 = R13,800
Common Import Duty Rates
| Product Category | Typical Duty Rate |
|---|---|
| Computers, laptops, smartphones | 0% |
| Books, newspapers | 0% |
| Televisions, major appliances | 20% |
| Furniture | 20% |
| Cosmetics and perfumes | 20% |
| Toys and games | 30% |
| Footwear | 30% |
| Clothing and textiles | 40–45% |
| Alcohol and spirits | 45% |
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Import Settings
Import Items
Item 1
R
%
Item 2
R
%
Total Landed Cost (ZAR)
R 34 213
Total CIF Value
R 23 000
Total Import Duty
R 6 750
Total VAT (15%)
R 4 463
Item Breakdown
| Item | CIF (ZAR) | Duty | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | R 15 000 | R 6 750 | R 3 263 | R 25 013 |
| Electronics | R 8 000 | R 0 | R 1 200 | R 9 200 |
| Total | R 23 000 | R 6 750 | R 4 463 | R 34 213 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Import duty = CIF value × tariff rate. Then VAT = (CIF + duty) × 15%. Total landed cost = CIF + duty + VAT.
Personal imports (informal, not for resale) valued at R500 CIF or less are generally exempt from customs duty and VAT. Above R500, normal rates apply.
Clothing 40-45%, footwear 30%, electronics 0-20%, furniture 20%, cosmetics 20%, toys 30%, alcohol 45%. Always verify with the SARS Customs Tariff Book for your specific HS code.
Undeclared imports can be seized by SARS Customs. Penalties include fines up to 200% of the duty value, seizure of goods, and criminal prosecution in serious cases. Always declare goods at customs.
Yes, VAT-registered vendors can claim import VAT as input tax on their VAT return, provided the goods are for business use.