If you intend to import a new or used vehicle, goods vehicle or trailer, or to register a built (manufactured) or modified vehicle, you must first obtain a letter of authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
You must have the letter of authority irrespective of whether the vehicle was built in South Africa or in a foreign country.
Types of vehicle for which you require a letter of authority are:
- cars, buses and motorcycles
- goods vehicles (trucks or vans)
- trailers
- special vehicles such as mobile cranes, tractors and harvesters.
All motor vehicles, whether manufactured in South Africa or imported, must conform to the requirements as set out in the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996). Importers must also submit proof of conformity to the requirements of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
If the application is for one vehicle only, only the person in whose name the vehicle will be registered may complete the application form.
CONFORMITY OF VEHICLES
All vehicles used on public roads whether locally manufactured or imported must conform to the requirements for vehicles as set out in the Road Traffic Act and relative compulsory specifications and importers must supply proof of conformity to the NRCS.
The required proof depends on the individual circumstances and is at the discretion of NRCS. A certificate of ECE compliance or local origin is usually sufficient for individual imports.
The requirements for vehicles are in general aligned with the applicable standards, regulations and directives of the EEC and ECE. Importers of foreign vehicles are strongly advised to consult NRCS to determine the specific requirements for their vehicle/s. This is essential for vehicles that originate in countries outside of Europe (e.g. Americas, Far East, Australasia).
LEFT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES
IN TERMS OF NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACT- REGULATION 200 (2B) A LEFT HAND DRIVE VEHICLE MAY ONLY BE LEGALLY IMPORTED & OPERATED ON A SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC ROAD IF IT WAS REGISTERED IN THE REPUBLIC IN THE REGISTERED OWNERS OR IMPORTERS NAME BEFORE 1st JANUARY 2000. A LOA WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNLESS SATISFACTORY PROOF OF OWNERSHIP IS SUPPLIED.
AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS, new or used, must conform to the compulsory specification gazetted on 20th February 2004. Proof of conformity must be supplied by the importer.
What you should do
- Download the application for the relevant letter of authority form or obtain it from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
- Complete the form and send it to the NRCS with the required documents as listed on the form.
- Pay the required fee.
How long does it take
Your letter of authority should be ready within four to six days.
How much does it cost
See the applicable application form for costs.
Forms to complete
- Application for letter of authority – LoA1 – to import and register/licence on motor vehicle
- Application Form – LOA2 – to import new motor vehicles into South Africa on a continuous basis
- Application Form – LOA3 – to import motor vehicles into South Africa for a specific purpose
- Application Form – LOAX – letter of authority or exemption to import motor vehicles into South Africa for a specific purpose
- Application Form – ALA – to register/license one motor vehicle which has been newly constructed or modified as per Road Traffic Act
Who to contact
Sifiso Phakathi
Tel: 012 482 8865
E-mail: phakatsz@nrcs.org.za
Charlotte Makou
Tel: 012 482 8785
E-mail:makouck@nrcs.org.za
Call Centre
Tel: 012 482 8700