South Africa adds Port Health inspection for seven tariff lines

Seven lines now trigger a border check

The update identifies tariff subheadings 2901.24, 2902.20, 2902.30, 9503.00.10, 9503.00.90, 9505.10 and 9505.90. SARS says goods in those lines must be detained for physical inspection and monitoring by Port Health, part of the Border Management Authority. The notice does not describe the control as a prohibition or announce a new customs-duty rate; it introduces an inspection step tied to the health regulations.^[1][2]

The codes extend beyond finished paint

The current tariff schedule describes 2901.24 as buta-1,3-diene and isoprene, 2902.20 as benzene and 2902.30 as toluene. The Chapter 95 lines cover wheeled toys and dolls' carriages, other toys, Christmas articles and other festive, carnival or entertainment articles. Businesses should therefore not assume that the border control is confined to consignments declared simply as paint: the operative trigger published by SARS is the listed tariff classification.^[1][4]

Underlying lead limit and certification

Government Notice 4832 of 2024 applies the Regulations Relating to Lead in Paint or Coating Materials to manufacture, import, export, distribution, sale, use and application. Regulation 3 prohibits paint or coating material containing 90 parts per million or more of lead, subject to the regulation's phased commencement. Regulation 5 requires a certificate of analysis or conformity, from an accredited facility or the national standardisation authority, to accompany each consignment or order and certify that the lead content is at or below 90 parts per million.^[3]

Practical consequence for importers

Importers using any of the seven classifications should build the Port Health hold into clearance planning and ensure the customs description, classification and product-composition evidence agree. Where the goods are paint or coating material, the required certificate should be available with the consignment. Where a product falls within a listed tariff line but is not paint or coating material, the trader should retain evidence supporting that distinction and confirm the expected documentary route before arrival. SARS administers such restrictions under section 113(8)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 on behalf of the responsible public authority.^[1][2][3][4]