Importing a Used Car to South Africa

In South Africa, you can only import a second-hand vehicle if you have been granted a permit to do so. The importation of used vehicles is restricted to protect the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry where permits are issued under specifically defined circumstances. Many returning South African nationals and immigrants who have permanent residence are permitted to bring vehicles registered in their names into the country. Other cars that may be imported include racing cars, vintage passenger vehicles, specially designed vehicles and inherited vehicles. Do you need to import a used car to South Africa? Here are the rules and regulations that you require to do so.

Obtain a Letter of Authority from the South African Bureau of Standards

 Complete the application form for importation of a second hand or used vehicle form (IE462). If you are a South African citizen, submit the following documents:

 Identity card or a passport

 Letter from employer confirming permanent employment abroad and reflecting period of employment etc

 Certified copy of the official foreign vehicle registration certificate Documentation needed

To arrange shipment of the vehicle to South Africa, the Following Documents are Needed:

 Copy of the photo page of your passport

 A copy of the vehicles license document (V5)

 A valid MOT certificate may be needed. Shipment of the vehicle is not done until the importer has received the letter of authority and import permit.

Arriving in South Africa

Following departure from the UK, you will be provided with a copy of the Bill of Lading covering the shipment of the vehicle. In addition to copy shipping documentation we will also re-confirm anticipated arrival details for your car in South Africa and contact details for our receiving agent at the port. Following arrival in South Africa there will be shipping charges to pay to the shipping line in respect of unloading your vehicle from the ship to the port.

Customs Duty in South African

Duties are approximately 65% of the UK value payable to the clearing agent in South Africa. Duty free is only applicable if you have a dual citizenship (UK/EU and SA passport) and that you have owned the car for longer than 12 months. You need to apply in person at a customs office with all permits and documents at least 10 days before your car arrives in South Africa.

Registering Your Vehicle

Once your car has been cleared through customs and any duty and tax levied have been paid to the South African Revenue Service, you will be issued with a Customs Release Notification form. To register you will be required to complete the application for motor vehicles license form ALV and present it to a vehicle licensing office with the Customs Release Notification form to register the car in South Africa. A registered testing center will complete a road worthiness test and issue you with a road worthy certificate after which the car is ready for use.