Car Import to South Africa Regulations

1. Motor Cars (New or Used)
a) Import Duty and Tax
- Customs duty = 36% (motor cars more than 20 years old are subject to 20% customs duty)
- Ad valorem customs duty (based on a sliding scale depending on the value of the vehicle, with a minimum of 0.75% and a maximum of 20%)
- Value-added tax (VAT) = 14%
If the original purchase invoice is not available, three written valuations must be obtained from motorcar dealers in the country of export to assist the customs clearance process in South Africa.

b) Import Permit
All used motor vehicles are subject to the production of an Import Permit that must be obtained prior to the vehicle being shipped to South Africa. Applications for Import Permits should be addressed to:
The Director of Import and Export Control
Trade and Industry
Private Bag X192
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
Tel: +27 12 428 7793 or 428 7796
Fax: +27 12 428 7799
Import Permits are only forwarded to South African addresses.

c) Letter of Authority
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the importation of left-hand drive vehicles is generally prohibited if registered in the name of an importer on or after 1 January 2000 unless authorized by the SABS.

Customs Regulations for Motorcycles >>