Import Cars from the UK & Japan to Namibia

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Namibia. Whether you need a prestige car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK & Japan Car Export Service for Namibia – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across the UK and Japan trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications.

With years of experience exporting cars to Namibia, we understand which vehicles offer excellent value and meet local requirements. We assess every car for quality and interrogate records to ensure only exceptional-quality vehicles are purchased.

VAT Reclaim Service (UK Cars)

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is the single biggest saving you can make when importing a UK car to Namibia.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

• Bespoke sourcing of your vehicle, purchase, inspection, and collection
• Quality assessment and record verification
• Mileage checks and reports
• Full mechanical inspection
• Paintwork reconditioning (if required)
• Company pre-export inspections

Car Shipping to Namibia

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK & Japan to Namibia car shipping service via Walvis Bay or Durban Port, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Namibia import requirements.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Namibia. We send all required documents to your address or clearing agent.

UK & Japan to Namibia Car Import – What You Need to Know

Namibia Car Import and Regulations

Namibia permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, and other countries but has specific age restrictions and requirements. All vehicles must be right-hand drive (except for diplomats), and an import permit is required before shipment.

Key Requirements:

1. Import permit: Mandatory before shipment
2. Age restriction: Maximum 12 years old (8 years for most standard imports). Age determined from manufacturing date, not first registration.
3. Right-hand drive: All vehicles must be RHD
4. Car carrier: Since March 1, 2023, all second-hand cars must arrive on special car carriers.
5. Documentation: Complete documentation required for customs clearance
6. Duties & taxes: 10% import tax, 15% VAT, 0-85% duties payable

Car Carrier Requirement (March 1, 2023 onwards):

• All second-hand cars must be shipped on special car carrier
• No standard RoRo for second-hand vehicles
• New or recently manufactured vehicles may have different requirements
• The clearing agent will advise on specific requirements

Import Permit Requirement:

• Mandatory for all vehicle imports
• Must be obtained BEFORE vehicle shipment
• Application made through Ministry of Trade, Industry and SME Development
• Processing time: typically 5-10 working days

Documents Required for Namibia Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (UK Cars):

• Copy of V5 Logbook (keep original for destination)
• Copy of valid MOT certificate
• Commercial Invoice
• Proof of ownership
• Insurance documentation

For Japanese Vehicles:

• Certificate of Origin or Export Certificate from Japan
• Commercial Invoice
• Japanese registration/export documentation

For Import Permit Application:

• Invoice or Pro-forma invoice (with full details)
• Cancellation Certificate, Registration Certificate, De-registration Certificate, or Export Certificate
• Bill of Lading
• Certified ID, Passport, or Permanent Resident documentation
• Company registration documents (for companies)
• Copy of ID or Passport (company representative)

For Customs Clearance at Arrival:

• Original Import Permit (from Ministry of Trade, Industry and SME Development)
• Original Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
• Registration/De-registration Certificate (original or certified copy)
• Customs Declaration (CA304a form)
• Passport or Permanent Resident documentation

Documentation Translation Requirement:

• All documents not in English must be translated by legitimate sworn translator
• Translations must be certified as accurate
• Translated documents required for customs submission

Namibia Import Permit Application Process

To apply for a vehicle import permit in Namibia, the applicant must first gather the required documents, including the invoice, original registration or deregistration certificate, bill of lading, identification, and proof of payment. Any non-English documents must be translated by a sworn translator.

The completed application is then submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and SME Development or through Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Customs and Excise, along with the applicable fee. Once approved — typically within 5–10 working days — an official import permit is issued, after which shipment of the vehicle can be arranged in accordance with the permit conditions.

Namibia Car Import Duties & Taxes

Import Tax:

• Rate: 10% of vehicle value (CIF value)

Value Added Tax (VAT):

• Rate: 15% on NAD value + 10% (import tax)
• Always payable: VAT applies to all imports regardless of exemption

Import Duties:

• Rate range: 0-85% depending on vehicle type and classification
• Varies by: Engine size, fuel type, vehicle category
• Calculated on: CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

Namibia Import Duty & Tax Exemptions

Duty-Free Single Vehicle Import:

Certain importers may qualify for one duty-free vehicle import:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Vehicle owned and used for at least 12 months prior to shipment
• Exporter has been owner for 12+ months before importation
• Single vehicle per family
• Only one duty-free import permitted

Conditions:

• VAT is always payable (15%)
• Only import duty (10%) and duties (0-85%) exempted
• Vehicle cannot be sold/disposed within 24 months of importation
• Ownership restriction: 24 months minimum before sale

Requirements:

• Original ownership documentation
• Proof of 12+ months ownership
• Bill of Lading with vehicle details
• All standard documentation

Diplomat Exemption:

• Diplomats exempt from duty and tax payments
• Official diplomatic status required
• Only diplomatic vehicles exempt

Residency Requirements

Permanent Residents:

• Must possess Permanent Resident Permit
• Permit required when stopped for customs examination
• Full duties and taxes apply (unless qualifying for exemption)

Temporary Residents:

• Vehicles NOT allowed on work permit
• Residence permit required for vehicle import
• Provisional payment covering full duties lodged with Customs
• Provisional payment refunded when vehicle exits Namibia within 1 year
• Import permit not required if vehicle re-exported within 1 year

New Immigrants:

• Must obtain Permanent Resident Permit
• Permit must be in possession during customs examination
• Advisable not to ship vehicle until permit obtained

Namibia Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in Namibia begins when the vehicle arrives at Walvis Bay or Durban, where it is held pending customs processing and port handling charges are assessed. It is strongly recommended to appoint a licensed clearing agent to manage documentation, coordinate with customs, and arrange duty payments.

The importer must submit the original Import Permit, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, registration documents, and the required customs declaration forms to the Namibia Revenue Agency. Customs will inspect the vehicle, assess its value, and calculate applicable import duty, VAT, and taxes. Once payment is completed, the necessary customs documentation is certified, allowing the vehicle to proceed to the Motor License Department for registration and legal road use.

Vehicle Registration in Namibia

After completing customs clearance in Namibia, the vehicle must be registered with the Motor License Department before it can legally be driven. Registration is processed once the CA304a form has been officially attested by the Namibia Revenue Agency.

The applicant must present the attested CA304a, original Import Permit, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, valid passport or permanent resident documentation, and proof of residence in Namibia. The Motor License Department then issues the vehicle licence, typically within 3–5 working days, authorising legal registration and road use in Namibia.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Namibia car import regulations, procedures, and duties, consult these official sources:

• Guidance on importing cars to Namibia
• Requirements for Used Motor Vehicles Imported from Abroad
• Ministry of Trade, Industry and SME Development – Import permits
• Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) – Customs, excise, and import duties
  • Directorate of Customs and Excise
  • Customs duties and tariff information
  • Public Notice on Imported In-Transit Second-Hand Motor Vehicles
• Motor License Department – Vehicle registration and licensing
  • Motor licence issuance
  • Vehicle registration procedures

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to Namibia?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Namibia via Walvis Bay or Durban ports. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll handle Namibia's complex import requirements and provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing.