Customs Tariffs are the tariff codes nominated by the Customs Department to each and every different moveable product imported or exported.
South African Customs have adopted what is known as the Harmonized System which is a uniform system also utilized by approximately sixty other nations.
The Customs Tariff Classification of a product is applied in terms of legal principles of tariff interpretation and determines the rate of duty applicable, when imported into South Africa (Including Botswana)
Due to advanced technology and the increasing number of new and sophisticated products being traded internationally, the classification of products under their correct tariff headings have also become more complex.
Importers and Exporters generally do not have the required technical knowledge of the customs tariff to classify their goods correctly, resulting in either overpayment of duties or underpayments of duties.
An incorrect tariff classification of a product may have serious financial implications for the manufacturer, importer or exporter.
Penalties for underpayment of duties may be applied as follows:
Or a combination of all of the above.
Overpayments of duties will result in financial loss to the importer and loss of market due to overpricing of his product.
These unpleasant situations can be avoided and Customs Services offers its expertise to obtain correct tariff determinations, at a negotiated fee, in writing from The Department of Customs.
We also offer our expertise to confirm if the tariff codes currently being used by an importer are correct. This information is provided free of charge but obviously subject to confirmation by customs.
Where it is proven that an importer has overpaid their customs duties we provide a Duty Recovery Service whereby we will recover such overpayments from Customs.
In this regard, we will conduct, free of charge, a full investigation of your tariffs for previous shipments and hilight both overpayments and underpayments. A negotiated fee will only be payable on successful recovery of duties overpaid.
It is critical that importers and exporters have their products classified correctly and invite you to make contact directly with Chris Scott or Peter Scott by E mail or telephone.
For your convenience we provide a Tariff Enquiry Form that you can complete and send to us.