Anti-dumping duties: a cautionary note to importers
Anti-dumping duties are additional charges that South Africa places on certain imported products when they are sold locally at unfairly low prices. These duties apply on top of normal customs tariffs and can significantly raise landed costs. Importers need to check them carefully before placing orders, as they vary by product, country, and sometimes even by manufacturer.
On 28 September 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) confirmed that anti-dumping duties of between 76.17% and 93% on certain steel ropes and cables over 32 mm, originating in or imported from Germany and the United Kingdom, will remain in place. The decision follows a sunset review set out in ITAC Public Report 786, published on 25 September 2026.
How anti-dumping duties are applied in South Africa
Dumping occurs when foreign manufacturers export goods to South Africa at prices lower than those charged in their home market. To protect local industry, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) investigates applications from domestic producers. Before recommending a duty, ITAC must establish both that dumping is taking place and that it is causing material injury to South African manufacturers.
Once confirmed, ITAC submits its recommendation to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. If approved, the duty is published in Schedule No. 2, Part 1 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, and collected by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at clearance — alongside normal customs duty and import VAT.
Some duties apply to all exporters in a named country, while others set different rates for individual manufacturers, with a separate rate for all other suppliers. This is why the manufacturer’s name on your supplier’s documents matters as much as the product itself.
The sunset review process explained
Anti‑dumping duties do not last indefinitely. By law, a duty generally lapses after five years unless a sunset review is initiated before expiry. During this review, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) considers whether removing the duty would likely allow dumping—and injury to local industry—to continue or return. While the review is under way, the duty remains in force.
The recent decision on steel ropes and cables is the outcome of such a review. ITAC currently has other matters open that importers should monitor, including:
A sunset review of duties on clear float glass.
A sunset review of duties on bone‑in chicken portions from Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
An investigation into boards, sheets, panels, tiles, and similar plaster articles.
Each of these reviews could result in a duty being renewed, amended, introduced for the first time, or removed entirely. For importers, staying informed is critical—duties can change quickly and directly affect landed costs.
Origin rules: the hidden risk for importers
Anti‑dumping duties apply to goods “originating in or imported from” the countries named in the schedule. This means that goods manufactured in Germany but shipped from a warehouse in another country can still attract the duty. Attempts to route goods through a third country to avoid duties may be investigated as circumvention.
To avoid clearance delays, your commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin must all show the same, accurate country of origin and manufacturer. Where these documents do not align, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) may stop the goods while the origin is verified—adding time, cost, and risk to your supply chain.
Anti-dumping duty compliance checklist
Before placing an order, importers should confirm whether anti‑dumping duties apply. These checks help avoid unexpected costs, clearance delays, and compliance risks.
Confirm tariff classification — ensure the product is correctly coded under the Customs and Excise Act.
Check Schedule No. 2 — verify whether anti‑dumping duties apply to the tariff heading and country of origin.
Verify manufacturer‑specific rates — some duties differ by exporter or manufacturer.
Monitor ITAC notices — stay updated on new investigations, reviews, or amendments.
Include duties in landed cost calculations — factor duties into pricing before quoting customers.
Partnering with SAFS Trading
Navigating anti‑dumping duties requires more than just knowing the rules—it demands proactive compliance and accurate landed cost planning. At SAFS Trading, we help importers stay ahead by:
Reviewing tariff classification, valuation, and origin before shipment.
Confirming whether anti‑dumping duties apply to your products.
Monitoring ITAC notices and regulatory changes that could affect your supply chain.
Ensuring duties are factored into landed costs from the start, avoiding clearance delays and unexpected expenses.
With our Regulatory Advisory service, you gain a partner who understands the complexities of South African trade law and keeps your imports compliant, cost‑effective, and on schedule.
Start the conversation.
Contact our team to safeguard your imports against anti-dumping risks and ensure your supply chain remains resilient.
