–– Car in South Africa are right-hand drive vehicles
— The importation of used vehicles is restricted to protect the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry. Permits are only issued under specifically defined circumstances.
Instances Where Importing Vehicles To South Africa Is Easy
- If you are a returning resident/national, you may import your used vehicle after a minimum uninterrupted period of absence of six months. The vehicle must be registered under your name for at least six months, and may not be sold for two years after importation.
- Physically disabled people may obtain a specially designed car, if they have a supporting doctor’s certificate.
- Vintage cars (older than 40 years) are allowed in but is subject to a check by the South African Veteran and Vintage Association
- Racing cars may be imported by a driver or racing drivers’ club with a valid racing driver license.
- Inherited vehicles may also qualify, as do specially design vehicles such as bullet proof cars, ambulances, fire trucks, mobile cranes and others which are not available locally.
Shipping Your Car/Vehicle To South Africa
To ship your car to South Africa you must first take the following steps:
Before you import a used vehicle, goods vehicle or trailer you must first obtain a letter of authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).- Complete theApplication for import of second hand or used passenger vehicle (IE462)
- If you are a South African citizen, submit the following documents:
- identity document or passport
- letter from employer confirming permanent employment abroad and reflecting period of employment (salary advices, payslips, job offers, job contracts, tax returns, work permits, etc. are not considered proof of employment)
- a certified copy of the official foreign vehicle registration certificate
- If you are a bona fide immigrant, submit the following documents:
- a copy of your South African permanent residence certificate
- a copy of your foreign passport (page with photo and details)
- a copy of your foreign motor vehicle registration certificate
- proof of study or research to be concluded where applicable.
How long does it take
It may take up to five days to complete the process once all required documents are received.
How much does it cost
ITAC does not charge service fees but you will have to pay customs duty at South African Revenue Service (SARS). Customs duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods (set in the schedules to the Customs and Excise Act). For more info on SARS customs duty, visit the SARS website.
Forms to complete
Application for import of second hand or used passenger vehicle (IE462)
Who to contact
ITAC national office – Import and Export Control
Tel: 0861 834 384, 012 394 3590, 012 394 3591
City/town: Pretora
Province: Gauteng
Physical address: International Trade Administration Commission, 77 Meintjies Street, Block D, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001
Postal address: Private Bag X753 Pretoria, 0001
Web address: http://www.itac.org.za
Duty And Tax to Expect When Clearing Through South Africa Customs
If you are a bonafide immigrant or a returning South African resident permanently changing your residency to South Africa, you are able to import one vehicle Duty-free and VAT exempt.
You need to make your declaration using form DA304A, available here.
Furthermore, you must also meet and satisfy the following criteria:-
● Have been the registered owner of the period for at least 12 months
● After importation, you are not allowed to see or hire or otherwise dispose of your vehicle for a period of at least 2 years
However, if you don’t come under the above category(s) then duty will have to paid at the following rate:-
● For vehicles under 20 Years old – 36%
● For vehicles over 20 Years old – 20%
● In addition a further ad valorem rate may also be applied which can vary from 0.75% right up to 20% dependent on the age and value of the vehicle in question.
If applicable, VAT is charged at the standard rate of 14%. More information can be found here.
Vehicle Registration
Once your vehicle has cleared through customs and the relevant duty and taxes have been paid to the SARS, you will be issued with a Customs Release Notification Form. This form is then used in conjunction with your Vehicle Licence Form (ALV) in order to register your car in South Africa.
To obtain an ALV please click here.
Both the Customs Release Notification Form and the completed ALV should be presented to the Vehicle Licensing Office to register your car.
Roadworthiness Test
Finally, to register your car for use in South Africa, you must ensure your vehicle completes a roadworthiness test. This is very similar to the UK’s MOT test and makes sure your vehicle is suitable for the roads. Simply complete the application for certification of roadworthiness (ACR) form and complete your test at a registered test center.
Once passed you will be issued with a roadworthiness certificate and deemed registered for driving. If your vehicle fails the test, you will be able to retake the test within 14 days provided any work that needs to be carried out on the car is completed.