The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that it has finalised the systems needed to issue certificates of origin
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that it has finalised the systems needed to issue certificates of origin under China’s zero-tariff export scheme.
IOL previously reported that South Africa has begun to benefit from a major export boost amid China’s decision to introduce a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for selected African economies, including South Africa
The move, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year, sees qualifying South African goods exported to China enter the Chinese market free of customs duties from May 1, 2026, until April 30, 2028.
In a statement released to the media, the revenue service said it has completed the legal and operational framework required to administer the scheme and will begin issuing Rules of Origin certificates from June 1, 2026.
The revenue service also said that goods already shipped or cleared from May 1, 2026, will not be disadvantaged, and exporters will still be able to obtain certificates retrospectively to secure the tariff benefits.
“Beginning 1 June, we are introducing a simple, printable certificate format, allowing exporters to prove origin and claim the tariff preference straight away,” Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said.
"This certificate carries the necessary security features and will be accepted by China’s Customs Administration."
Makhubu added that "exporters have questions about how this scheme works, especially for shipments already on the way."
"I want to assure our traders that no qualifying exporter will be left behind. From 1 June, SARS is issuing origin certificates retrospectively to cater for qualifying goods that were shipped or cleared after 1 May 2026, so they can still benefit fully from the zero tariffs".
SARS also cautioned that not all goods will qualify for the scheme, with eligibility dependent on compliance with rules of origin requirements.
"Exporters are reminded that not all goods qualify for China’s zero-tariff arrangement: some remain subject to tariff‑rates or quotas and specific conditions. Zero-tariff treatment depends strictly on meeting the Rules of Origin and presenting a valid SARS Certificate of Origin.
"Exporters must confirm eligibility with their trading partners in China, maintain proper origin documentation, and stay up to date with SARS processes. Only fully compliant shipments will qualify, making careful preparation essential to avoid delays or disqualification."
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