The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced it has finalised the legal and operational frameworks for China’s temporary zero-tariff scheme, allowing for the issuance of Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports from June. SARS Commissioner Dr. Johnstone Makhubu stated that from June 1, the agency will provide a "simple, printable certificate format, allowing exporters to prove origin and claim the tariff preference straight away." Dr. Makhubu assured traders that "no qualifying exporter will be left behind," adding that SARS will issue origin certificates retrospectively for goods shipped or cleared after May 1, 2026, to ensure they benefit fully. SARS noted this aims to provide "clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and smooth." As an interim measure, exporters can lodge security with China's customs administration, which will be released upon presentation of a valid SARS certificate.
New Certificate Process
Beginning June 1, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will introduce a straightforward, printable certificate format, enabling exporters to verify origin and claim tariff preferences. Dr. Johnstone Makhubu, SARS Commissioner, stated, "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." This measure is intended to facilitate legitimate trade and protect South Africa's customs system.
SARS clarified that only fully compliant shipments will be eligible for zero-tariff treatment. As an interim procedure, SARS noted, "exporters can lodge security with China's customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. This security will be released upon the lodging of a valid certificate of origin obtained from SARS in respect of qualifying goods." For verification of any issued certificates, inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. The agency aims for "providing clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and smooth."
Exporter Responsibilities and Support
Exporters are required to confirm eligibility with their trading partners in China, maintain proper origin documentation, and remain updated on SARS processes. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) stated its commitment to "providing clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and smooth [and]…to facilitate legitimate trade and protect South Africa’s customs system." As an interim measure, SARS confirmed that "exporters can lodge security with China’s customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. This security will be released upon the lodging of a valid certificate of origin obtained from SARS in respect of qualifying goods." For guidance and assistance, exporters can contact SARS directly at [email protected].
Scheme Details and Verification
China announced in February that it would implement a zero-tariff policy with African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing. For South African exports, zero-tariff treatment is strictly contingent upon meeting established Rules of Origin and presenting a valid South African Revenue Service (SARS) Certificate of Origin. SARS stated its commitment to "providing clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and smooth [and]…to facilitate legitimate trade and protect South Africa’s customs system."
As an interim measure, exporters have the option to lodge security with China’s customs administration if a Certificate of Origin is not immediately available. SARS explained, "As an interim measure, exporters can lodge security with China’s customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. This security will be released upon the lodging of a valid certificate of origin obtained from SARS in respect of qualifying goods." This process aims to prevent delays while ensuring compliance with the new tariff scheme.
