Johannesburg – South African exporters can now obtain certificates of origin from the South African Revenue Service to access China’s zero-tariff arrangement, with the tax authority confirming it began issuing the documents from Monday, 1 June 2026.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the legal and operational framework to administer China’s zero-tariff scheme has been finalised, with the rules regulating the issuing of certificates of origin now available on the SARS website.
Makhubu moved to reassure exporters whose goods were already in transit, saying shipments cleared on or after 1 May 2026 would not be disadvantaged. 
“Beginning 1 June, we are introducing a simple, printable certificate format, allowing exporters to prove origin and claim the tariff preference straight away,” he said, adding that the certificate carries the necessary security features and will be accepted by China’s Customs Administration.
On shipments already on the way, Makhubu said: “We understand that exporters have questions about how this scheme works, especially for shipments already on the way. I want to assure our traders that no qualifying exporter will be left behind. From 1 June, SARS is issuing origin certificates retrospectively to cater for qualifying goods that were shipped or cleared after 1 May 2026, so they can still benefit fully from the zero tariffs.”
As an interim measure, exporters can lodge security with China’s customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. The security will be released once a valid certificate is obtained from SARS for qualifying goods.
SARS will issue the approved certificate template to exporters upon application, and officials will advise on any supporting documentation required.
China’s zero-tariff arrangement, which is also offered to several other African countries, allows qualifying goods to enter the Chinese market duty-free. SARS is the designated issuing authority for the required certificates of origin.
Exporters are reminded that not all goods qualify for the arrangement, with some remaining subject to tariff rates or quotas and specific conditions. Zero-tariff treatment depends strictly on meeting the Rules of Origin and presenting a valid SARS Certificate of Origin. Exporters must confirm eligibility with their trading partners in China, maintain proper origin documentation and stay current with SARS processes.
“SARS is committed to support exporters and empowering honest traders to reap maximum benefit from global trade incentives while safeguarding the customs system,” Makhubu said.
Exporters requiring assistance can contact SARS at rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za, and FAQs are set to be published on the Rules of Origin webpage on the SARS website early this week.
