Free tool

SA Import Duty & VAT Calculator

Estimate customs duty and VAT payable to SARS on goods imported into South Africa. Built by a South African clearing agent — no signup, no email required.

Shipment details

FOB value (ZAR)

Cost of the goods, ex-factory / at origin port.

Freight (ZAR)

Ocean or air freight cost to SA port of entry.

Insurance (ZAR)

Marine or air insurance premium.

Duty rate (%)

From your tariff heading in Schedule 1 Part 1. Ask us if unsure.

Mode of transport

Sea shipments carry a 10% ATV uplift; air does not.

Total payable to SARS

R 4 582,00

Duty + VAT, excluding clearing, port & transport costs.

Customs value (CIF)R 11 600,00

Customs dutyR 2 320,00

ATV 10% uplift (sea)R 1 160,00

ATV (VAT base)R 15 080,00

VAT @ 15%R 2 262,00

Estimate only. Actual duty depends on your tariff heading, rebates, trade agreements, and any anti-dumping duties. Reach out and we'll confirm your correct classification.

Get an accurate quote from Trimel

How SA import duty & VAT is calculated

Customs value (CIF) = FOB + Freight + Insurance.
Customs duty = Customs value × duty rate from your tariff heading.
ATV (Added Tax Value) = Customs value + 10% uplift on sea shipments + duty.
VAT = ATV × 15%.
Total to SARS = Customs duty + VAT.

The 10% ATV uplift is a SARS rule that only applies to imports arriving by sea. Air freight shipments skip it. Rebates under Schedule 3 or 4, and trade agreements like SADC or the EU-SA TDCA, can reduce or eliminate duty entirely — worth a phone call before your goods land.

SARS clearing process explained Customs clearing across SA