China Duty-Free Starts 1 June, If You Qualify
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Your client has a container of citrus on a ship to Shanghai and no origin certificate in hand. Until now, that gap meant uncertainty. From 1 June 2026, it closes.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu has confirmed that SARS has finalised the legal and operational framework to run China's zero-tariff scheme. The Rules under section 46A of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, which govern how certificates of origin are issued, are now published on the SARS website. From 1 June 2026, SARS starts issuing Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports.
What is new
This builds on the scheme that came into force on 1 May 2026, which we covered in [SARS confirms China trade scheme now in force]. The scheme was already live. What was missing was the certificate. Without a valid Certificate of Origin, qualifying goods could not claim the zero tariff at Chinese customs.
That piece is now in place. Three things matter for your clients:
A printable certificate. SARS is introducing a simple, printable certificate format with built-in security features. China's Customs Administration will accept it. Exporters receive the approved template on application, and officials will advise on any supporting documents needed.
Retrospective cover. Goods shipped or cleared on or after 1 May 2026 are not left behind. SARS will issue certificates retrospectively, so those shipments still receive the duty-free benefit.
An interim bridge for goods in transit. Where there is no certificate yet, exporters can lodge security with China's customs. That security is released once a valid SARS certificate is produced.
The compliance catch
Not all goods qualify. Some remain subject to tariff rates, 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 Chinese trading partners, keep proper origin records, and stay current with SARS processes. Only fully compliant shipments qualify, so careful preparation is what avoids delays or disqualification.
For verification of issued certificates, or for help with the new arrangement, exporters can contact SARS at rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za. FAQs will be published on the SARS Rules of Origin webpage early next week.
What this means for you
This is advisory work, not admin. Clients in agriculture, manufacturing, and processed goods now have a real cost advantage in one of the world's largest markets, but only if the paperwork is right. Checking tariff classifications, confirming origin, and getting certificates issued on time is the kind of work that protects a client and justifies a higher fee. When your exporting clients grow into China, their turnover grows, and so does yours.
Run a quick review now of every client with China-bound goods. Confirm which products qualify, gather origin documentation, and flag anything already in transit so you can request a retrospective certificate.