Quick Answer: South African formulators can legally import and use pure terpenes without cannabis licenses. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (2024) regulates cannabis plant material and cannabinoids, but terpenes, containing no cannabinoids, are classified as essential oils under HS code 3301.
While SAHPRA restricts CBD products and 2025 regulations ban hemp foods, pure terpenes remain unscheduled aromatic compounds requiring only standard SARS import documentation: commercial invoices, certificates of analysis, phytosanitary certificates, and SAD500 declarations. Provincial regulations stay uniform across South Africa. Import processing takes 1-30 days with proper documentation.
Terpene Belt Farms provides SARS-compliant paperwork and Fresh Never Frozen® products for reliable sourcing.
Key Takeaways
- Terpenes are fully legal in South Africa under the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act of 2024, as long as they contain zero cannabinoids. They are classified as essential oils (HS code 3301) and not cannabis products, meaning they require only standard import duties and VAT.
- The 2025 hemp food restrictions apply to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, not pure aromatic compounds, allowing terpenes to remain compliant for use in formulations such as cosmetics, fragrances, and flavoring agents.
- Importers must provide SARS with complete documentation, including certificates of analysis confirming no cannabinoids, phytosanitary certificates (or exemptions), commercial invoices, and SAD500 declarations to prevent customs delays.
- All nine provinces follow the same federal terpene import rules. Only business licensing processes vary slightly by region, with Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal serving as primary import and distribution centers.
- Terpene Belt Farms supports South African businesses with SARS-compliant paperwork, stable USD pricing, specialized Fresh Never Frozen® shipping, and formulation tools that simplify compliant product development. Buy our sample kit for your R&D today.
South African formulators face a complex regulatory environment following the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act of 2024 and recent hemp food restrictions. Many suppliers cannot distinguish between restricted cannabis products and legal aromatic compounds, leaving product developers with supply chain uncertainty, inconsistent product quality, and documentation gaps that cause unnecessary bottlenecks.
Pure terpenes are subject to standard chemical import regulations. Terpene Belt Farms offers compliant terpene essential oils that meet SARS requirements, providing a reliable solution for businesses seeking trustworthy suppliers who understand local compliance requirements.
If you’re looking to improve your product line with aromatic terpenes, this is everything you need to know about buying and formulating with terpenes in South Africa.
Legal Status of Terpenes vs Cannabis Products
The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, signed into law on May 28, 2024, defines cannabis as “the flowering or fruiting tops of a Cannabis plant” and products made directly from them. This definition excludes isolated compounds like terpenes that contain no cannabinoids.
Accordingly, processed cannabis products are permitted if their THC concentration is ≤0.001% and they don’t contain whole cannabis material. Our terpenes are extracted from hemp containing <0.3% THC, and our terpenes themselves are free of any cannabinoids, operating entirely outside cannabis regulatory frameworks.
SAHPRA heavily regulates CBD products, classifying CBD as Schedule 4 with limited Schedule 0 exemptions. Terpenes remain unscheduled aromatic compounds. SARS classifies terpenes under Harmonized System code 3301 for essential oils, requiring only standard import duties and VAT.
The 2025 hemp food restrictions announced by the Department of Health apply to food products containing cannabinoids, not pure aromatic compounds. These restrictions target THC and CBD content, leaving terpenes as legal flavoring agents.
Provincial Regulations Remain Uniform
Since South Africa does not regulate or prohibit hemp-derived terpenes, the rules remain consistent across all nine provinces. Whether importing through Cape Town (Western Cape), OR Tambo Airport (Gauteng), or Durban harbor (KwaZulu-Natal), identical SARS customs procedures apply.
Provincial differences exist only in business licensing and enforcement frequency:
- Gauteng’s pharmaceutical sector sees more frequent compliance audits
- Western Cape’s established essential oil industry provides better infrastructure
- KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural focus creates natural synergies with botanical extraction
Major commercial centers, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, serve as distribution hubs without imposing additional restrictions.
Cannabis vs Hemp vs Terpene Regulations
| Product Type | Legal Status | Required Permits | SAHPRA Schedule | Commercial Sale |
| Cannabis Plant | Legal for private use only | None for personal (8 plants max) | Schedule 7 | Prohibited |
| Medical Cannabis | Restricted | SAHPRA Section 22C license | Schedule 6-7 | Prescription only |
| CBD Products | Restricted | Depends on concentration | Schedule 0 or 4 | Limited retail |
| Hemp Cultivation | Legal with permit | R714 annual permit | N/A | Industrial only |
| Hemp Foods | Banned 2025 | N/A | N/A | Prohibited |
| Pure Terpenes | Unrestricted | None | Unscheduled | Legal |
The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act permits adults to possess 600g of dried cannabis and cultivate eight plants per household privately. However, commercial dealing is prohibited.
Medical cannabis requires SAHPRA licensing under Section 22C. Hemp cultivation needs R714 annual permits from the Department of Agriculture.
Pure terpenes contain no cannabinoids and do not operate under these frameworks. Therefore, our cannabis-derived terpenes require no special permits beyond standard business licenses.
Recent Legislative Changes Affecting the Market
The Constitutional Court’s 2018 Prince judgment started South Africa’s cannabis law evolution. After four years of debate, President Ramaphosa signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act on May 28, 2024, reflecting political sensitivity around cannabis.
The Portfolio Committee indicated potential commercial frameworks may emerge for religious, cultural, and economic cultivation. These discussions focus on cannabis plant material, not isolated compounds.
President Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address emphasized the country’s intention to be a regional leader in hemp cultivation. Yet the simultaneous hemp food ban highlights regulatory inconsistencies. However, terpenes remain unaffected by these cannabis policy shifts.
Import Requirements and Documentation
Importing terpenes follows SARS customs protocols for essential oils. Required documentation includes:
- Commercial invoices with HS code 3301.90
- Certificates of analysis showing zero cannabinoids
- Phytosanitary certificates for plant products
- SAD500 customs declarations
The National Plant Protection Organisation requires import permits (cost R200), though refined terpenes often qualify for exemptions. Processing takes 1-30 days.
Common delays occur from:
- Missing South African address on invoices
- Incorrect HS code classification
- Incomplete phytosanitary documentation
- Vague product descriptions
Port-specific considerations:
- Cape Town: Most experienced with essential oil imports
- Durban: More agricultural imports requiring phytosanitary docs
- OR Tambo Airport: Fastest clearance but higher costs
South Africa Compliance Best Practices
South African businesses must maintain clear documentation distinguishing terpenes from cannabis products. Every purchase requires certificates of analysis explicitly stating THC/CBD content and processing documentation confirming the absence of cannabinoids.
It is advisable to keep terpene documentation separate from cannabis-related permits. While SAHPRA’s frameworks don’t apply to pure terpenes, mixing documentation can create extra scrutiny.
Quality assurance protocols should include:
- Organoleptic evaluation for consistency
- Specific gravity testing for purity
- GC-MS analysis for composition verification
Tax compliance requires accurate HS classification. Terpenes attract standard duties plus 15% VAT. Misclassifying terpenes as cannabis products can trigger investigations. As such, it is important to train procurement and customs teams on the differences between terpenes (unrestricted) and cannabinoids (scheduled).
How Terpene Belt Farms Supports South African Customers
South African businesses face currency volatility, long shipping distances, and limited local technical support. We address these challenges through:
- Pricing Stability: USD forward pricing agreements protect against Rand fluctuations. Our wholesale program offers volume discounts that offset exchange rate fluctuations.
- Shipping Solutions: Our Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes arrive fresh as they were when leaving our facilities. Thanks to specialized packaging with inert gas headspace, they remain stable during the 30-45-day sea freight.
- Documentation Support: Complete SARS-compliant paperwork eliminates customs delays. Each shipment includes certificates of analysis, processing documentation, and proper HS classifications.
- Product Range: Our diverse library includes exclusive, premium, and standard terpene profiles to make sure we cater to every budget and formulation need. For beverages, we also offer water-soluble terpenes, and if you’re looking to add some fresh terpenes to flowers, our NEU bags can offer an ideal infusion that methods like spraying just can’t match.
- Technical Resources: Our formulation guides and terpene mixing calculator provide 24/7 technical support to help you formulate your products effectively.
South Africa’s terpene market operates independently from the cannabis market, providing stable sourcing options for formulators. While cannabis commercialization faces ongoing restrictions, terpenes offer immediate opportunities for product innovation without regulatory complications.
Working with suppliers who understand South African requirements ensures smooth operations. Clear documentation, proper classification, and reliable quality control enable successful product development.
Partner with Terpene Belt Farms today through our wholesale bulk services and improve your formulations with the best in the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Import Cannabis-Derived Terpenes without a Cannabis License?
Yes. Pure terpenes containing zero cannabinoids are classified as essential oils, not cannabis products. They require standard import documentation, not SAHPRA licenses.
Do Provinces Have Different Terpene Regulations?
No. All nine provinces follow identical import and distribution requirements. Only local business licensing varies.
How Do Hemp Food Bans Affect Terpenes in Food?
The 2025 restrictions target cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Pure terpenes remain legal flavoring agents, though avoiding cannabis references in labeling is advisable.
What Documentation Does SARS Require?
Commercial invoices with HS code 3301.90, certificates of analysis showing zero cannabinoids, phytosanitary certificates (refined products may be exempt), and SAD500 declarations. Processing takes 1-5 days with complete documentation.
Does the Cannabis Act Affect B2B Terpene Sales?
No. The Act regulates cannabis plant material and cannabinoids, not isolated aromatic compounds. B2B terpene sales require only standard business licenses.
Do Terpenes Need SAHPRA Approval for Cosmetics?
Terpenes don’t need SAHPRA approval, but finished cosmetics require safety assessments. Terpenes are considered ingredients, not controlled substances.
Sources Used for This Article
- Parliament of South Africa: “Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024” – parliament.gov.za/storage/app/media/Acts/2024/Act_7_of_2024_Cannabis_for_Private_Purposes_Act.pdf
- Law Library: “Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024” – lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za/act/2024/7/eng@2024-06-03
- CMS Law: “Cannabis law and legislation in South Africa”- cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-a-legal-roadmap-to-cannabis/south-africa
- GrowerIQ: “How Much Does A Hemp Permit License Cost In South Africa?” – groweriq.ca/2024/11/12/how-much-does-a-hemp-permit-license-cost-in-south-africa
- SARS: “Imports” – sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/import-export-and-transit/imports
- Gov.za: “Apply for a plant import permit” – gov.za/services/export-permits-import/phytosanitary-permit
