This guide sets out import questions for a South African buyer considering hydraulic hose assemblies, hoses and fittings from India. It is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules change, so confirm every point with your clearing agent or customs adviser before you order. Nothing on this page is a claim that RHPL holds any South African registration, certificate or approval.
1. Who imports: you, or your South African supplier
Before anything else, decide who will be the importer of record.
- Your own company, if you are a plant, contractor or workshop that is (or will become) registered with SARS Customs as an importer.
- A South African supply company or hose workshop that imports, holds its own stock and invoices you. This route may be required by a mine’s vendor policy; confirm it with the buyer. See local supply partnership.
The enquiry form asks this question ("Importer of record: yes / no / not sure") so that the quotation can be set up correctly.
2. SARS importer registration
[FACT] SARS states that any person, local or foreign, who imports goods into South Africa must register as an importer, and that a foreign importer must also nominate a South African-based registered agent (SARS, "What is an importer?"). A buyer may appoint a clearing agent to prepare the customs declaration and advise on current requirements. If your company has not imported before, start this step early.
3. Tariff classification, duty and VAT
Hoses, hose assemblies and fittings are classified in the SARS Tariff Book. Typical headings to discuss with your agent are:
- HS 4009 — rubber tubes and hoses, with or without fittings (most hydraulic hose assemblies).
- HS 7307 / 7412 — steel or copper-alloy tube and pipe fittings.
- HS 8412 / 8481 — where an item is part of a hydraulic motor, cylinder or valve.
Your clearing agent confirms the exact tariff line, the customs duty and the import VAT that apply to your goods. We do not publish duty or VAT rates, because they depend on the line and change over time.
4. India–SACU trade talks: no preference yet
[FACT] South Africa is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). On 12 August 2026, SACU and India signed Terms of Reference in New Delhi to guide negotiations towards a Preferential Trade Agreement (SACU press release, 13 Aug 2026). These are talks only. The Terms of Reference do not themselves grant a duty preference; duty treatment follows the applicable SARS tariff. Do not assume a tariff preference for an India-origin order; ask the clearing agent to confirm the applicable tariff treatment.
5. Product rules: NRCS and standards
If your goods fall under an NRCS compulsory specification, your clearing agent confirms it before ordering. RHPL holds no SABS or NRCS approval and does not supply automotive brake hose.
Separately, many mines set their own hose specifications, for example fire-resistance for underground sections. Fire-resistant (MSHA-type) cover hose is available on request. RHPL holds no MSHA approval or certificate; acceptance follows the mine's own specification.
6. Mining procurement rules
[FACT] Parliament’s record of 23 November 2021 explains that the Mining Charter’s clause 2.2 procurement provisions were set aside. Confirm current requirements and the buyer’s own vendor policy before choosing a commercial route. Parliament record. Check the current rules and your own vendor policy. RHPL holds no B-BBEE certificate or level and does not claim to meet these criteria. This is one reason the partner route in step 1 exists.
7. Documents that come with an RHPL shipment
- Proforma invoice (for your bank and budget approval).
- Commercial invoice and packing list. The packing list repeats each assembly tag and its position.
- Transport document: bill of lading or air waybill.
- Certificate of origin where your agent or bank asks for one.
- Pressure-test records for the supplied assemblies. Other documents are agreed in the quotation.
8. Incoterms, freight and entry port
Quotations can be made on terms such as FOB (named Indian port), CFR or CIF (named South African port), EXW Raipur, or courier/air door delivery for small orders. The South African sea or air entry point is chosen with your clearing agent to suit your site. The Incoterm, port, freight and insurance are confirmed in the written quotation. We do not state delivery times on this website.
9. Payment
Confirm the payment method and any applicable foreign-exchange requirements with your bank. Quotations default to USD, and a ZAR quotation can be discussed. Pay only to the bank account printed on RHPL's proforma invoice. Partners and agents never collect payment for RHPL. If anyone sends you different bank details, verify by calling +91 88717 39555 before paying.
Sources
- SARS, "What is an importer?" — Public source (checked 15 Nov 2026)
- SACU press release, SACU and India sign Terms of Reference, 13 Aug 2026 — Public source (checked 15 Nov 2026)
- ICC, Incoterms 2020 — Public source