Pretoria – Twenty-four tonnes of South African apples turned the primary batch of imports to enter China beneath the zero-tariff initiative.
Below this landmark initiative, which started right now, 1 Might 2026, China expanded zero-tariff remedy to all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
Commenting on the transfer, South African Commerce, Trade and Competitors Minister Parks Tau stated he “welcomes the announcement by the Authorities of the Folks’s Republic of China concerning the introduction of a short lived zero-tariff choice scheme for 20 non-least developed African nations, together with South Africa”.
This measure follows an announcement by President Xi on 14 February 2026, that China will implement zero tariffs to African nations with which it has diplomatic relations.
The least developed nations are already having fun with the duty-free remedy within the Chinese language market following the announcement on the Discussion board for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
From 1 Might 2026 to 30 April 2028, qualifying South African items exported to China will profit from zero customs duties beneath this scheme, topic to compliance with the relevant tariff schedule and guidelines of origin.
Exporters are suggested that entry to the choice is conditional on assembly the prescribed guidelines of origin, together with product-specific necessities, and on submitting a sound Certificates of Origin for customs clearance in China.
The Division of Commerce, Trade and Competitors (the dtic) stated it was working with the South African Income Providers (SARS) on the customs procedures and the mandatory adjustments to laws that must be carried out, together with with regard to issuing the certificates of origin.
“In relation to merchandise already within the water, if a certificates of origin shouldn’t be issued earlier than or on the time of cargo, the importer must pay a deposit,” defined the dtic.
“After the importer submits the requested paperwork, the deposit might be refunded.
“The certificates of origin shall be marked ‘ISSUED RETROSPECTIVELY’ and shall be legitimate for one yr from the date of cargo.
“Whereas the scheme applies throughout a broad vary of merchandise, sure items could also be topic to particular situations, together with tariff charge quotas.”
Exporters are due to this fact inspired to familiarise themselves with the detailed tariff schedule and guidelines of origin documentation to make sure full compliance and optimum utilisation of the preferences.
This preferential market entry framework affords a strategic alternative for South Africa to boost export competitiveness, diversify into higher-value-added merchandise, and broaden market entry for agricultural, industrial, and beneficiated items.
It additionally helps broader nationwide targets, together with industrial improvement, employment creation, and export-led development.
The DTIC stated that, in collaboration with related authorities departments and stakeholders, it has initiated the mandatory processes to facilitate the implementation of the choice scheme.
The Export Assist Desk throughout the dtic, will function a central level of contact for steering, queries, and help to assist merchants and information them on the mandatory compliance and market entry processes.
The Export Assist Desk might be accessed as follows: exports@thedtic.gov.za.
As well as, a complete Often Requested Questions (FAQ) doc as a information to exporters might be placed on the dtic web site.
In response to Minister Tau, this zero-tariff remedy choice scheme is sign of robust relations that China has with the African continent and a major final result of FOCAC 2024.
The scheme affords South African exporters a significant alternative to broaden into one of many world’s largest and most dynamic client markets.
Additional, the Minister added that these developments complement the diversification technique initiated by the dtic aimed toward creating resilience of the South African financial system.
The hyperlinks to the tariff schedule with qualifying merchandise and the foundations of origin might be accessed at:
For tariff schedule:
http://gss.mof.gov.cn/gzdt/zhengcefabu/202604/t20260428_3988616.htm
For guidelines of origin:
http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/2026-04/29/article_2026042908570039662.html
