Importing clothing & fashion from South Africa — 2026 rules
When you import clothing & fashion (HS heading 6204.62) — for example dresses, jackets, t-shirts and other fashion items — from South Africa to Iceland, you owe 12% general duty and 24% VAT on the full customs value (CIF price).
Clothing generally carries 12% duty on top of 24% VAT, making fashion imports notably more expensive than electronics.
Shipments from South Africa often arrive by sea freight and can take longer than European shipments, but the EFTA free-trade agreement can reduce duty on goods with valid proof of origin.
Worked examples
Here's how the total cost builds up for three sample item prices from South Africa, using an exchange rate of 7.55 ISK per ZAR.
| Item price | Customs value (CIF) | Duty | VAT | Total landed cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 ZAR | 80,000 ISK | 9,600 ISK | 21,504 ISK | 113,054 ISK |
| 35,000 ZAR | 268,750 ISK | 32,250 ISK | 72,240 ISK | 375,190 ISK |
| 100,000 ZAR | 759,500 ISK | 91,140 ISK | 204,154 ISK | 1,056,744 ISK |
Step by step: customs clearance
- 1.The seller in South Africa attaches shipping documents (invoice, customs value and HS heading 6204.62) to the carrier's booking.
- 2.The carrier (post, FedEx, UPS or DHL) files an electronic customs declaration with Icelandic customs before the shipment arrives.
- 3.Duty and VAT are calculated on the customs value (CIF), and you receive a payment request, often before the item is released.
- 4.Once fees are paid, the shipment is released — for home delivery or pickup at the carrier's depot.
Frequently asked questions
Is there duty on clothing & fashion from South Africa?+
Yes — clothing & fashion carries 12% general duty under HS heading 6204.62, plus 24% VAT charged on the customs value including that duty.
What is the customs value and how is it calculated?+
The customs value (CIF price) is the item price in Icelandic krónur plus freight and insurance to the Icelandic border. Both duty and VAT are calculated on this combined figure, not just the item's price.
Does the EEA/EFTA agreement with South Africa help?+
South Africa is covered by an EEA or EFTA free-trade agreement with Iceland. With a valid proof of origin (e.g. an EUR.1 certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice), duty on qualifying goods can be reduced or removed — VAT is still always charged regardless of origin.
Do I have to pay VAT on small shipments?+
Yes. Unlike many other countries, Iceland has no de-minimis threshold exempting low-value parcels — 24% VAT is charged on almost all incoming shipments, regardless of how small the declared value is.
How long does customs clearance from South Africa take?+
Shipments from South Africa often arrive by sea freight and can take longer than European shipments, but the EFTA free-trade agreement can reduce duty on goods with valid proof of origin.
Other categories from South Africa
| Category | Duty | VAT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Smartphones & Mobile Devices | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Laptops & Notebooks | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Shoes & Footwear | 10% | 24% | View → |
| Cameras & Optics | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Drones & UAVs | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Tools & Hardware | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Safety Gear & Protective Equipment | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Sports Equipment | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Leather Goods | 12% | 24% | View → |
| Audio Gear & Headphones | 0% | 24% | View → |