The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Competitors, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement by the Authorities of the Individuals’s Republic of China that introduces a short lived zero-tariff choice scheme for 20 non-least developed African nations, together with South Africa.
The measure follows an announcement by Chinese language President Xi Jinping on 14 February 2026 that China would implement zero-tariff remedy for African nations with which it has diplomatic relations.
Least developed nations are already benefiting from duty-free entry to the Chinese language market following commitments made on the Discussion board on China-Africa Cooperation.
Beneath the scheme, qualifying South African items exported to China between 1 Could 2026 and 30 April 2028 will profit from zero customs duties, offered exporters adjust to the relevant tariff schedules and guidelines of origin.
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Exporters have been suggested that entry to the choice scheme is conditional on assembly prescribed guidelines of origin necessities, together with product-specific situations, and submitting a sound Certificates of Origin for customs clearance in China.
The Division of Commerce, Trade and Competitors (dtic) stated it’s working with the South African Income Service (SARS) on customs procedures and legislative amendments required for implementation, together with processes referring to the issuing of certificates of origin.
The division added that for merchandise already in transit, the place a certificates of origin has not been issued earlier than or on the time of cargo, importers might be required to pay a deposit.
The deposit could also be refunded as soon as the requested documentation has been submitted.
In such instances, the certificates of origin have to be marked “issued retrospectively” and can stay legitimate for one 12 months from the cargo date.
Whereas the scheme applies to a broad vary of merchandise, sure items should be topic to particular situations, together with tariff price quotas.
Exporters are inspired to familiarise themselves with the detailed tariff schedules and guidelines of origin documentation to make sure compliance and maximise the advantages of the preferences.
In keeping with the dtic, the preferential market entry framework presents a strategic alternative for South Africa to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify into increased value-added merchandise, and broaden market entry for agricultural, industrial and beneficiated items.
The division stated the initiative additionally helps broader nationwide goals, together with industrial growth, employment creation and export-led financial progress.
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The dtic, along with related authorities departments and stakeholders, has initiated processes to facilitate implementation of the choice scheme.
An Export Assist Desk inside the dtic will function a central level of contact for steerage, queries and help referring to compliance and market entry processes. Exporters can contact the assistance desk at exports@thedtic.gov.za.
The dtic additionally introduced {that a} complete Often Requested Questions doc for exporters might be printed on its web site.
Minister Tau stated the zero-tariff remedy choice scheme displays the robust relationship between China and the African continent and represents a big end result of FOCAC 2024.
He added that the scheme presents South African exporters a chance to broaden into one of many world’s largest and most dynamic client markets, whereas complementing the dtic’s diversification technique aimed toward strengthening the resilience of the South African economic system.
