South Africa unlocks duty-free access to China - but there’s a catch for exporters

South African exporters will be able to tap into China’s temporary zero-tariff trade programme from Monday, June 1, 2026, after the country’s tax and customs authority completes the rules needed to administer the scheme.

Jun 1, 2026 - 08:51

South Africa unlocks duty-free access to China - but there’s a catch for exporters

President of China Xi Jinping (R) and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) attend the China-Africa Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue on the last day of the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on August 24, 2023. [Photo by ALET PRETORIUS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

South African exporters will be able to tap into China’s temporary zero-tariff trade programme from Monday, June 1, 2026, after the country’s tax and customs authority completes the rules needed to administer the scheme.

South Africa has completed the customs framework required to implement China's temporary zero-tariff trade scheme for eligible exports.
The move allows exporters to begin claiming duty-free access to the Chinese market from June 1 through SARS-issued Rules of Origin certificates.
Authorities say qualifying goods shipped since May 1 can also benefit from retrospective certification.
While the programme creates new export opportunities, businesses must meet strict origin and documentation requirements to qualify.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, that it will begin issuing Rules of Origin certificates from Monday, allowing eligible exporters to claim duty-free access to the world’s second-largest economy.

The move could create new opportunities for South African businesses seeking to expand sales into China, particularly as global trade remains under pressure from slowing demand and shifting supply chains.

Under the arrangement announced by Beijing in February, African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China can benefit from tariff relief on qualifying goods. However, exporters must prove that their products meet China’s origin requirements before they can receive the tariff preference.

SARS Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu said the agency would issue certificates retrospectively for qualifying goods shipped or cleared after 1 May 2026, ensuring exporters do not miss out on the benefits during the transition period.

“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,” Makhubu said.

To speed up implementation, SARS has introduced a simplified printable certificate format designed to help exporters secure duty-free treatment more quickly.

The agency also noted that businesses awaiting certificates can, for now, lodge security with Chinese customs authorities. The security will be released once a valid SARS-issued certificate is submitted.

Despite the opportunity, SARS warned that duty-free access is not automatic. Only products that satisfy China’s rules of origin and documentation requirements will qualify.

The authority urged exporters to verify product eligibility with Chinese partners, maintain accurate records, and comply fully with customs procedures to avoid delays, penalties, or disqualification from the programme.