9 New Tariff Notices: Fuel Levy Climbs, Wheat Duty Cut, Steel Tariffs Raised
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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) published nine new tariff notices in Government Gazette No. 54678 on 15 May 2026, all signed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The biggest news is that the temporary fuel levy relief is being phased out in two stages, starting 3 June 2026. The other notices cover wheat duties, steel tariffs, and safeguard duties on imports from Indonesia.
Fuel levy goes back up in two stages
From 3 June 2026, the general fuel levy on petrol rises from 110 cents per litre to 260 cents per litre. The general fuel levy on diesel goes from nil to 197 cents per litre [Notice R.7476]. Diesel refund rates for farming, forestry and mining will adjust accordingly, totalling 303.8 cents per litre when combined with the Road Accident Fund levy [Notice R.7478].
From 1 July 2026, the full fuel levy is restored to the rates announced in the 2026 Budget. Petrol will be taxed at 410 cents per litre and diesel at 393 cents per litre [Notice R.7475. The diesel refund for farming, forestry and mining returns to 382.2 cents per litre [Notice R.7479].
In short, motorists and transport operators should plan for two fuel price increases, one in June and another in July.
Wheat customs duty reduced
SARS cut the customs duty on imported wheat and wheaten flour using the existing variable tariff formula. Wheat duty drops to 15.37 cents per kilogram, and the duty on wheaten meal and flour drops to 23.05 cents per kilogram [Notice R.7472]. Lower input costs for millers could ease pressure on bread and flour prices.
Steel customs duties raised, with a rebate option
Following ITAC Report 764, SARS increased customs duties on a wide range of steel products. New rates of 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% now apply to many flat-rolled, hot-rolled, and finished steel items, including pipes, wire, fasteners and hand tools [Notice R.7480]. The move is aimed at supporting local steel producers.
At the same time, a new rebate facility was added to Schedule No. 4. Importers can apply to International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) for a full duty rebate on specific steel products, but only where those products are not available in the SACU market [Notice R.7477]. This gives downstream manufacturers a route to source what they cannot get locally without paying the higher duties.
Safeguard duties on hot-rolled steel from Indonesia extended
Two notices confirm the ongoing safeguard duties on hot-rolled steel from Indonesia. The Year 2 rate of 11% applies up to 1 May 2027 [Notice R.7474], and the Year 3 rate of 9% applies from 2 May 2027 to 1 May 2028 [Notice R.7473].
When the changes take effect
The notices come into force on different dates, so it is important to know which change kicks in when.
Three notices apply immediately from 15 May 2026: the wheat duty reduction (R.7472), the steel duty increases (R.7480), and the new steel rebate facility (R.7477).
The first stage of fuel levy increases takes effect on 3 June 2026, covering both the petrol and diesel levy adjustment (R.7476) and the matching diesel refund change (R.7478).
The second stage follows on 1 July 2026, when the full fuel levy and diesel refund rates set out in the 2026 Budget come into force (R.7475 and R.7479).
The Indonesian steel safeguard duties run on a longer timeline, with the 11% rate applying up to 1 May 2027 (R.7474) and the 9% rate running from 2 May 2027 to 1 May 2028 (R.7473).
Bottom line
Households and businesses face higher fuel prices in June and again in July. Food manufacturers may benefit from cheaper wheat imports. Steel users will pay more, but can apply for rebates where local supply is not available.