Tobacco Cigarettes → South Africa

200 cigarettes duty-free

Details

South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs allows travelers aged 18 or over to bring 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 250 g of pipe tobacco duty-free per visit (Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964). Excess quantities attract full import duty plus excise (approximately ZAR 19.82 per pack of 20 as of the 2025 budget) plus 15% VAT. Declare excess on the TC-01 Traveller Declaration before clearing the Red Channel.

Quantity limit

200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250g tobacco

Documentation required

• SARS Customs declaration for quantities above allowance

Legal reference

Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964

Practical advice

Declare quantities above the standard 200-cigarette / 50-cigar / 250g personal allowance to SARS Customs; bring the purchase receipt to compute excise + VAT. Keep duty-free purchases sealed in the original retailer bag for audit.

Customs authority

South African Revenue Service (SARS) — Customs and Excise · https://www.sars.gov.za