Do I pay import VAT on Temu and Shein orders to South Africa?

Yes. Import VAT is generally charged at 15% on the Added Tax Value (ATV). Clothing and many categories also attract customs duty based on the tariff heading.

How accurate are these estimates, and what extra fees might apply?

Clothing and many categories can attract high customs duty plus 15% import VAT. Couriers often add a clearance or handling fee (often roughly R50–R150). Estimates are for budgeting—final charges depend on declarations, classification, and SARS/courier processes.

What is Added Tax Value (ATV) for imports?

Per SARS, import VAT uses ATV. For goods from outside the Southern African Customs Union, ATV includes customs value plus 10% of that value, plus non-rebated duties (e.g. customs duty). For goods originating in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, or Eswatini (BLNS), that 10% uplift does not apply. VAT is 15% of ATV. See the SARS page on duties and taxes for importers.

Is there still a R500 tax-free allowance for clothing?

Rules change over time. This calculator helps you estimate duty and VAT using category rates—always confirm final charges with SARS/your courier.

How do I compare Temu to a local shop price?

Enter the landed import estimate from the calculator, and optionally add a South African shelf price you have seen (usually VAT-inclusive). The tool compares those two numbers on paper—delivery time and returns are up to you.

South African Import CostCustoms · duty · VAT calculator

Is it still worth buying from Temu (or overseas)?

SARS calculates import VAT at 15% on the Added Tax Value (ATV). For imports from outside the Customs Union, ATV generally includes your customs (CIF) value plus 10% of that value, plus customs duty; goods originating in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, or Eswatini follow different ATV rules (see Duties and Taxes for Importers). Use the calculator for your estimated landed total, then add a local price you have seen (usually VAT-inclusive) to see which side looks cheaper on paper — before delivery time and returns.

Common questions

Do I pay import VAT on Temu and Shein orders to South Africa?: Yes. Import VAT is generally charged at 15% on the Added Tax Value (ATV). Clothing and many categories also attract customs duty based on the tariff heading.

How accurate are these estimates, and what extra fees might apply?: Clothing and many categories can attract high customs duty plus 15% import VAT. Couriers often add a clearance or handling fee (often roughly R50–R150). Estimates are for budgeting—final charges depend on declarations, classification, and SARS/courier processes.

What is Added Tax Value (ATV) for imports?: Per SARS, import VAT uses ATV. For goods from outside the Southern African Customs Union, ATV includes customs value plus 10% of that value, plus non-rebated duties (e.g. customs duty). For goods originating in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, or Eswatini (BLNS), that 10% uplift does not apply. VAT is 15% of ATV. See the SARS page on duties and taxes for importers.

Is there still a R500 tax-free allowance for clothing?: Rules change over time. This calculator helps you estimate duty and VAT using category rates—always confirm final charges with SARS/your courier.

How do I compare Temu to a local shop price?: Enter the landed import estimate from the calculator, and optionally add a South African shelf price you have seen (usually VAT-inclusive). The tool compares those two numbers on paper—delivery time and returns are up to you.