South Africa Trade Agreements & Import Duty by Country
Find out which trade agreement applies when importing goods into South Africa. Check if you qualify for reduced duty rates and what Certificate of Origin you need.
This guide to South Africa's trade agreements is provided by JLog, a registered SARS customs clearing agent based in Cape Town. JLog helps clients take advantage of preferential duty rates under agreements like AGOA, SADC, and the AfCFTA when importing or exporting goods.
What trade agreements mean for importers
South Africa has preferential trade agreements with groups of countries that reduce or eliminate import duties on qualifying goods. If your goods originate from a country with a trade agreement, you could pay significantly less duty — sometimes 0% instead of 20% or more.
To claim preferential rates, you need a Certificate of Origin (COO) from the exporter proving the goods were made in a qualifying country. Without a valid COO, SARS applies the higher General (MFN) rate — the same rate that applies to countries like China, India, and the USA that don't have a trade agreement with South Africa.
🔍 Country Lookup
Type a country name to see which trade agreement applies and what duty rates you'll pay.
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❔ Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Africa have a trade agreement with China?
No. South Africa does not have a preferential trade agreement with China. Imports from China are subject to the General (MFN — Most Favoured Nation) duty rate, which is typically the highest rate in the SARS tariff schedule. No Certificate of Origin is required for MFN rates, but you'll pay full duty.
What is a Certificate of Origin and do I need one?
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is a document that certifies where goods were manufactured or produced. You need a COO to claim preferential (reduced) duty rates under a trade agreement. Without a valid COO, SARS will apply the higher General (MFN) duty rate. The type of COO depends on the trade agreement: EUR.1 for EU/UK/EFTA, SADC COO for SADC countries, or a standard COO for MERCOSUR and AfCFTA.
What is the AfCFTA and how does it affect import duties?
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a continent-wide trade agreement signed by 54 African Union member states. It aims to progressively reduce tariffs on goods traded between African countries. South Africa is a signatory, meaning imports from other AfCFTA member states may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates, provided the goods meet rules of origin requirements and are accompanied by an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin. Implementation is ongoing and tariff reduction schedules vary by product.
How do I get a EUR.1 certificate?
A EUR.1 movement certificate must be obtained by the exporter in the country of origin. It is issued by the customs authority or an authorised body in the exporting EU/UK/EFTA country. The exporter must apply for and have the EUR.1 stamped before the goods are shipped. Without a valid EUR.1, your import will be cleared at the higher General (MFN) duty rate. Ask your supplier to include a EUR.1 with every shipment.
What is the difference between MFN and preferential duty rates?
MFN (Most Favoured Nation) is the standard duty rate applied to imports from countries without a preferential trade agreement. Preferential rates are lower (often 0% or significantly reduced) and apply to imports from countries with which South Africa has a trade agreement — but only if the goods are accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin proving they were made in that country. For example, a product with 20% MFN duty from China might be 0% from Germany with a EUR.1 certificate.
Calculate your import costs
Use the import calculator with automatic trade agreement detection to see exact duty and VAT for your goods.