+27 21 981 1825 info@rapplelogistics.co.za Mon to Fri, 08:00 to 16:30 Open an account
Rapple Logistics – international freight forwarding and customs clearance
Track shipment Client loginLogin Get a quote
Digital globe with glowing trade routes on a dark background

Shipping tools

Import duty calculator for South Africa

Work out import duty, VAT and the full landed cost before you place the order. Add the goods, freight, duty, VAT and local charges. Every figure is yours to change. This is an estimate, not a quote.

Get a quoteCall the desk
The goods
In the supplier currency.
Use the rate your bank gives you. For ZAR enter 1.
Pieces, cartons or pallets.
From the packing list.
Getting it here
In the same currency as the goods.
Of goods plus freight. Leave empty if uninsured.
SARS
From the tariff for your tariff heading. We confirm it on your quote.
Standard rate. Change it only if your goods are zero-rated.
Local charges, in rand

Your estimate

Fill in the goods value and the exchange rate to start.

Customs value (FOB, in rand)
R 0.00
Duty
R 0.00
Local charges
R 0.00
Landed cost, VAT excluded
R 0.00
Import VAT
R 0.00
Cash needed, VAT included
R 0.00
Landed cost per unit
-
Import cost per cbm
-
Import cost as % of the goods
-

VAT vendors claim the import VAT back, but the cash is needed at the port. Import cost per cbm is everything except the goods themselves.

How it is worked out

  1. Customs value = the goods value (FOB) multiplied by the exchange rate. SARS values imports on the FOB price.
  2. Duty = customs value multiplied by the duty rate.
  3. Import VAT = the VAT rate on (customs value plus 10 percent, plus the duty). The 10 percent stands in for freight and insurance.
  4. Landed cost, VAT excluded = goods plus freight plus insurance plus duty plus your local charges.
  5. Cash needed = landed cost plus import VAT.

This is an estimate. Duty rates, extra levies, exchange rates and port charges change, and some goods carry additional duties. Send us the goods and we give you the exact landed cost in writing: get a quote. For how freight is priced, read freight rates explained.

Want the exact figure?

Send us the goods and the supplier quote. We return the landed cost in writing, usually within one working day.

Get a quote +27 21 981 1825

How import duty works

SARS charges customs duty on most imported goods. The rate depends on the product’s tariff classification, and duty is calculated on the customs value. Import VAT is then charged on the value plus the duty. This calculator does the sum for you from the rates you enter.

Not sure of your duty rate? Our licensed team classifies goods before you order. See how to clear goods through SARS customs or ask us to clear them.