What’s new?
- 30 May 2026 – Media Release: SARS clarifies implementation of China’s Zero-Tariff Export Scheme
The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, Dr Johnstone Makhubu, said that SARS has finalised the legal and operational framework to administer China’s zero-tariff scheme. The Rules in terms of section 46A of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, regulating the issuing of certificates of origin are available on the SARS website. From 1 June 2026, SARS will be issuing Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports. See the full media release here.
- 8 May 2026 – Notice: China Zero-Tariff Trade Implementation
This notice informs all traders that the China trade scheme officially came into effect on 1 May 2026. It is, however, important to note that some tariff lines are subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in consultation with the Chinese Authorities, is finalising the legal framework required for the scheme and is establishing the system to issue Rules of Origin Certificates.
Once the necessary legislation is in place, certificates will be issued retrospectively from the effective date of 1 May 2026. SARS is committed to implementing this process smoothly and will update stakeholders on the application procedure and documentation requirements as soon as the system to issue the certificates is operational.
We encourage all traders who wish to participate in the China trade scheme to stay informed and prepare for the upcoming processes. Please direct any queries or requests for clarification to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
1. | Q: What is the China’s Zero-Tariff Preference Scheme (the Scheme). A: It is a non-reciprocal zero-tariff treatment for goods exported from the Republic of South Africa to the People’s Republic of China on compliance with the provisions of origin. A temporary arrangement pending the conclusion of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA) that will involve a reciprocal arrangement between SACU and China and provide more clarity and certainty. |
2. | Q: How long will the China’s Zero-Tariff Preference Scheme remain in existence? A: The scheme is only for two (2) years, starting from the 01 May 2026 to 30 April 2028. It operates under the Early Harvest Lite (EHAL), a temporary arrangement pending the conclusion of an Early Harvest Agreement (EHA) that will include the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU). The EHA will involve a reciprocal arrangement (CAEPA) between SACU and China. |
3. | Q: Are all South African products eligible for zero tariffs. A:, All products are subject to zero-tariff treatment. However, there are tariff rate quotes for some products. See the applicable tariff schedule access here. |
4. | Q: Where can I find the rules to the Customs and Excise Act for the Scheme. A: Section 46A of the Customs and Excise Act, (Act 91 of 1964), see the Rule Amendment. |
5. | Q: Do I have to register for the scheme. A: No specific registration for a trade agreement, all registered exporters are eligible to export under the scheme. |
6. | Q: Are all Customs and Excise offices able to administer the rules of origin, issue certificates of origin and do certification under the scheme. A: The branches that are authorised are: 1. Alberton / Johannesburg 2. Cape Town 3. Cape Town International Airport 4. Durban 5. East London 6. King Shaka Int. 7. OR Tambo International Airport 8. Port Elizabeth 9. Pretoria |
7. | Q: Where can I forward challenges about the application and issuance of the certificates of origin. A: The list of Operational Managers and their emails is below, scroll down. |
8. | Q: Where can I send technical queries relating to the Rules of Origin under the scheme: A: You may send it to [email protected]. |
9. | Q: Do I need a certificate of origin for China Zero tariff? A: You need a certificate of origin to benefit when exported into China’s market. |
10. | Q: How do I apply for a certificate of origin? A: The existing application form on the Rules of Origin webpage SC-RO-02-A02 – Application for Export Origin Certificates must be used until the new form is amended. |
11. | Q: What is the process of getting the certificate of origin? A: Traders must apply for the certificates of origin on the SC-RO-02-A02 – Application for Export Origin Certificates form. The form must be completed and submitted to the Customs and Excise branch with relevant supporting documents. The branch will consider the application form and once approved, will send the certificate of origin that has a unique certificate number for the Trader to complete all relevant fields for further certification. It is mandatory for the trader to include the details of the certificate on the SAD 500 under ‘additional field”. |
12. | Q: When does the certificate of origin becomes valid. A: The certificate of origin becomes valid once the trader completes the required fields, submit it back to the issuing office for certification, authentication and verification of origin of goods, and it has been stamped and signed off by the issuing office. Unique certificate number helps prevent transferability and potential misuse. |
13. | Q: I have exported goods to China after the 01 May 2026 and want to benefit under the scheme. A: Traders can apply for retrospective issuance of the certificate of origin for goods exported from the 01 May 2026. |
14. | Q: Is there a requirement on my part to keep records after exporting to China? A: Records must be kept for 5 years in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act (Act 91 of 1964) for future verification requests and audits. |
15. | Q: I want to export but not sure if the goods qualify for the originating status under the scheme? A: Traders are encouraged to apply for an origin determination for clarity and certainty. The SC-RO-02-A02 – Application for Export Origin Certificates form is available under the Rules of Origin webpage. |
16. | Q: What are the other provisions of the scheme with regards to the issuance of the certificate of origin. A: The scheme has provisions for the issuance of retrospective, duplicate and replacement of certificate of origin. Applications of these certificates of origin are available at the authorised customs and Excise offices. |
17. | Q: What are applicable Rules of Origin? A: See the applicable Rules of Origin here. |
18. | Q: Do goods need to be shipped directly to China A: Preferably, yes. If transiting:
· Storage limited to 6 months. |
19. | Q: Are small shipments exempt from requirements? A: Shipment below USD 1000, may not require Coo, however splitting shipments to avoid compliance is prohibited. |
Steps to apply for a certificate
Contact details of Offices issuing and certifying certificates
NO | OFFICE | EMAIL ADDRESS | NAME OF OPERATIONAL MANAGERS |
1. | Alberton | Derick Dick Chareldine Robinson – QA | |
2. | Cape Town | Customs BFE – issuing of certificates Customs Hub – certifying certificates of origin | Shane Cloete – Customs BFE Magdalene Fouten – Customs Hub |
3. | Cape Town International Airport | Tiaan Burger Anette Kotze | |
4. | Durban | Himla Sookdhaw – Issuing of blank certificates only Lidia Phakathi – Processing of certificates | |
5. | East London | Unathi Faltein Nonkululeko Sofute | |
6. | King Shaka Int. | Zabanguni Gumede Beryl Moshesh | |
7. | OR Tambo International Airport | Jacob Mkhatshwa Alzira Witbooi | |
8. | Port Elizabeth | Lee-anne Maidza Imtiethaal Lee | |
9. | Pretoria | Thobeka Fekisi Prudence Botopela | |
10 | Escalations | Customs & Excise Command Centre [email protected] | William Komane |
