Trying to figure out the expenses involved in importing LFP cells from China into RSA.

I have a Tariff book for RSA from SARS but its a little confusing. (isn't anything SARS confusing?)

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2024May 30 by Delta9

It looks as though duty rates are dependant on the area/trade bloc the goods are coming from. It would appear that China comes under the heading "General"

If that is true there are 2 tariff headings that could apply ;

8506.50.90 - 20% Duty rate.

OR

8507.60 - 0% Duty rate

I think it would be 85.07.60 but wanted to check with others here who have imported thier own cells.

Duplicate

Edited May 30, 2024May 30 by Delta9
duplicate

Then after customs duty (if any - depends which code is used - hence the confusion), there is VAT - are Lithium cells Zero rated and no VAT or subject to 15%VAT even if they are duty free.

It would be best to contact a private Clearing Agent company and they will be able to assist. They might even give you a price to help you do it.

If you would like you can Private Message me and I will provide you with a contact of one. Then also mention where you are based.

 

Edited May 30, 2024May 30 by TheMac

A primary battery is a non-rechargeable type.

3 hours ago, P1000 said:

A primary battery is a non-rechargeable type.

Good to know, thanks. So then it looks like duty free +VAT ?

@Delta9  I sent you a private message.

19 hours ago, Delta9 said:

Trying to figure out the expenses involved in importing LFP cells from China into RSA.

I have a Tariff book for RSA from SARS but its a little confusing. (isn't anything SARS confusing?)

 

 

 

Did you try the 3 SA suppliers that all have stock in SA?
Negates all the import hassles.
https://www.docanpower.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=za stock&description=true

https://lithium-cells.co.za/shop

And apexium, somewhere here on the forum is their contact info.

Edited May 31, 2024May 31 by WannabeSolarSparky

Hi.

One thing to be aware of and that is you will not be able to import batteries via airfreight. This class of item is a fire hazard, so it is seafreight only. I will not touch this unless it's a substantial quantity. Full container loads will be worthwhile. Anything less and the cost of shipping skyrockets.

Then there's the state of customs at our ocean ports to consider. The risks might outweigh the benefits.

 

Anyway, watching this thread with interest.

Yes I checked out the local suppliers with stocks. I went to the show in Cape Town a few months ago and met Amy from Docan - I bought her show samples from her when the show was over.

The LF304 are USD$115 per cell in stock at Docan ZA. The same cell is USD$70 ex China stock. I need 160 (maybe a few more if I can fit them in). Do the math 160 x $45 USD per cell overhead to buy ZA stock. Thats $7200 USD - or approx.  R133,200.00 !!!!! Its quite the pay day for a local supplier. So better I make those savings then hand them over. 

I am getting quotes from AMY now. I live in Zambia but working on a project in CT. In Zambia LiFePO4 is duty free and Zero rated for VAT. If I do go ahead and ship it might be just better to import them to Zambia rather then go through RSA. This is why I wanted to know about taxes in RSA. It looks like it will be far cheaper to just direct import into Zambia. I could really use them in RSA on the project to build everything in here but for that sort of saving it might be better to consider mock up cells here in RSA for placement/wiring and then drop in the real cells at home - not sure yet. But 133K is a mighty good incentive to figure out something. Looks like shipping into Dar Es Salam is around $900 now that shipping has returned to normal pricing. Will see, but good info here, thanks.

Edited June 1, 2024Jun 1 by Delta9

On 2024/05/31 at 9:16 AM, TheMac said:

@Delta9  I sent you a private message.

Got it thanks. I will check this out when I get back to CT next week. Right now enjoying the heat in Zambia 😉 CT is getting cold and wet again (of course its that time of year)