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

Leaving with this item

Cigarettes for personal use may be exported from South Africa freely; destination duty-free allowances (typically 200 cigarettes) govern the arrival side.

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