SARS to issue certificates for China's zero-tariff export scheme from June

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that it has finalised the systems needed to issue certificates of origin

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that it has finalised the systems needed to issue certificates of origin under China’s zero-tariff export scheme.

IOL previously reported that South Africa has begun to benefit from a major export boost amid China’s decision to introduce a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for selected African economies, including South Africa

The move, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year, sees qualifying South African goods exported to China enter the Chinese market free of customs duties from May 1, 2026, until April 30, 2028.

In a statement released to the media, the revenue service said it has completed the legal and operational framework required to administer the scheme and will begin issuing Rules of Origin certificates from June 1, 2026.