Landed cost calculator

What imported goods really cost once duty and import VAT land on top - on South Africa's official FOB valuation rules. Look up your HS code or just type the product ("laptop", "t-shirt") - we search all 11 703 lines of the SARS Tariff Book and fill in the duty rate for you.

HS / tariff code (optional) Type a code (or a word like "t-shirt") - we look it up in the SARS Tariff Book of 6 August 2026 and fill in the duty rate.

Goods value - FOB (R) South Africa values imports on FOB: freight and insurance are excluded from the dutiable value.

Freight (R)

Insurance (R)

Customs duty rate (%) From the tariff book for your HS code. Not sure? Use the free verification below the results.

Where are the goods from? SACU-origin goods skip the 10% VAT uplift.

Other local costs (R)

Tariff line

Customs value (FOB)

Customs duty

Import VAT (15% on the added tax value)

Freight, insurance and local costs

Total landed cost

Cost on top of the goods price

Import VAT is claimable back if you are VAT registered - your real cost is then the total minus the VAT. Duty rates vary by HS code and trade agreement; anti-dumping and safeguard duties can apply on top.

How landed cost works in South Africa

Three amounts stack on an import. First the customs value: South Africa uses the FOB price of the goods - freight and insurance stay out of it, which surprises importers used to EU-style CIF valuation. Second, customs duty: the tariff book rate for your HS code applied to that FOB value. Third, import VAT: 15% charged on the "added tax value" - the customs value uplifted by 10% (unless the goods come from a SACU member), plus the duty.

Your landed cost is goods plus freight, insurance and local charges, plus duty, plus import VAT. If you are VAT registered, the VAT comes back through your VAT return - but you still fund it at clearing time, which is a cash-flow reality many first-time importers miss.

Not sure of your duty rate? We check it, free

The tariff book runs to thousands of lines, and the difference between two similar codes can be 0% versus 30% - or an anti-dumping duty you did not see coming. Email the product description and, if you have one, your HS code to [email protected] and a person verifies the classification and current rate against the tariff book - answered within one business day, free.

Frequently asked questions

What is an HS code?

The Harmonised System code - the international numbering that classifies every tradeable product. The first two digits are the chapter, four digits the heading, and South Africa uses eight-digit tariff subheadings to set the duty rate. Get the code wrong and you pay the wrong duty, which SARS can reassess years later.

Why is freight excluded from the customs value?

South Africa applies FOB valuation under the Customs and Excise Act. Many countries (the EU among them) use CIF, which includes freight and insurance - so imported cost comparisons across countries can mislead. Freight still counts in your landed cost, just not in the duty calculation.

What is the 10% uplift on import VAT?

Import VAT is not charged on the bare customs value: the value is increased by 10%, then the duty is added, and 15% VAT applies to that total. Goods originating in SACU countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, eSwatini) skip the uplift.

Do I need my own customs code to import?

Anything commercial or repeated needs your own SARS customs client code - clearing agents will insist. We sort the registration for a fixed R1 490.

Keep exploring

Import & export codes, R1 490 Trade compliance help VAT registration guide All free tools

Estimates on the standard valuation rules (Customs and Excise Act FOB basis; VAT Act added tax value). Preferential trade agreement rates, rebates, anti-dumping and provisional payments can change the outcome - the free verification checks your actual line. Free tools are estimates. Packs are templates and guidance, not legal or financial advice.