Import Cars from the UK to South Africa

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

Our UK Car Export Service for South Africa – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK 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.

All cars are thoroughly inspected and assessed for South Africa import compliance. We verify vehicle eligibility and documentation requirements and ensure all vehicles meet regulatory standards.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

• Right-hand drive verification
• Ownership documentation review
• Full mechanical inspection
• Mileage verification and HPI check
• Paintwork reconditioning (if required)

Car Shipping to South Africa

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK and Japan to South Africa car shipping service via major South African ports, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with South Africa import requirements.

Shipping Service Includes:

• Bespoke sourcing, purchase, inspection, and collection
• Storage and preparation
• Transport to UK departure port
• High-level marine insurance during shipping
• All documentation coordination
• Bill of Lading provision

Major South African Ports

• Port of Durban (KwaZulu-Natal): The busiest port in Africa, handling roughly 60% of South Africa's container cargo. It is crucial for Southern African trade, dealing with containers, liquid bulk, and automotive goods.
• Port of Richards Bay (KwaZulu-Natal): The country's largest port by area and the world’s largest bulk coal terminal. It handles over 80 million tonnes of cargo annually, primarily dry bulk, and is expanding into specialised offshore oil and gas services.
• Port of Cape Town (Western Cape): A strategic port specialising in container, general cargo, and fruit exports. It is known for its large refrigerated container facilities.
• Port of Ngqura (Eastern Cape): A modern deep-water port located in Algoa Bay (near Port Elizabeth), designed to handle deep-draft vessels and container traffic.
• Port of Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape): Located in Algoa Bay, it is a key hub for vehicle exports and general cargo.
• Port of Saldanha Bay (Western Cape): The largest and deepest natural port in the Southern Hemisphere, specialised in handling iron ore, oil, and bulk cargo.
• Port of East London (Eastern Cape): South Africa's only remaining river port, handling car exports and general cargo.
• Port of Mossel Bay (Western Cape): The smallest commercial port, focusing on fishing, petro-chemical activities, and offshore support

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in South Africa. We send all required documents to your address or agent.

UK to South Africa Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

South Africa has strict regulations on vehicle imports designed to protect the local automotive industry. Vehicle imports are heavily regulated, and only specific categories of individuals are permitted to import vehicles.

Key Requirements:

1. Letter of Authority (LOA): Mandatory from NRCS
2. Import Permit: Required for used/second-hand vehicles (from ITAC)
3. Eligibility: Limited to returning residents, immigrants, and special vehicle categories
4. Right-hand drive: Most vehicles must be RHD (LHD prohibited unless pre-2000)
5. Duty & tax: Very high import duties and VAT apply
6. Registration: Roadworthiness test required before registration
7. 2-year restriction: Cannot sell for 2 years if claiming exemption

South Africa Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

South Africa only permits vehicle imports under strictly defined circumstances:

Returning South African Residents:

• South African citizen who lived abroad
• Relocating back to South Africa permanently
• Must have owned/used vehicle 12+ months prior to shipment
• Limited to single vehicle import

Bona Fide Immigrants:

• Non-South African with permanent residence status
• Establishing permanent residency in South Africa
• Proof of permanent residence certificate required
• Limited to single vehicle import

Special Vehicle Categories:

• Racing vehicles (with documentation)
• Vintage or classic vehicles (usually 20+ years old)
• Vehicles specially designed for disabled persons
• Inherited vehicles from foreign estates
• Other special categories (with ITAC approval)

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

• Standard requirement: All vehicles must be right-hand drive
• LHD prohibition: Left-hand drive vehicles prohibited
• Exception: LHD vehicles registered in your name BEFORE January 1, 2000
• Verification required: Clear and verifiable ownership history needed for pre-2000 LHD vehicles
• No LOA without compliance: Letter of Authority not granted for non-compliant LHD vehicles

Documents Required for South Africa Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents:

• Copy of V5 Logbook (UK vehicle registration)
• Copy of valid MOT certificate
• Commercial Invoice/Proof of purchase
• Proof of ownership
• Copy of passport (photo page)

For Letter of Authority (LOA) Application to NRCS:

Form LA01 including:

• Copy of photo page of passport
• Copy of V5 vehicle registration document
• Proof of identity
• Vehicle type and classification information
• Application fee payment (depends on vehicle type/age)

For Import Permit Application to ITAC (Used Vehicles):

Form IE462 plus:

For Returning South African Citizens:

• Copy identity document or passport
• Employer letter confirming permanent employment abroad (salary advices, payslips, job offers, job contracts, tax returns, work permits NOT accepted)
• Certified copy of official foreign vehicle registration certificate
• Evidence of employment period overseas

For Bona Fide Immigrants:

• Copy of South African permanent residency certificate
• Copy of foreign passport (photo and details page)
• Copy of foreign motor vehicle registration certificate
• Proof of study, research, or employment
• Supporting documentation for professional status

For Customs Clearance at Arrival:

• Bill of Lading (original shipping document)
• Letter of Authority (LOA) from NRCS
• Import Permit (from ITAC) for used vehicles
• Copy of V5 logbook
• Commercial invoice
• Customs Declaration Form
• Proof of ownership

For Duty Exemption Application (if eligible):

• Form DA304A (to SARS for duty/VAT exemption)
• Proof of 12+ months vehicle ownership
• Proof of permanent residency change
• Commitment not to sell vehicle for 2 years
• Copy of passport

Letter of Authority (LOA) Application Process

The Letter of Authority (LOA) application process in South Africa begins with completing Form LA01, available from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), detailing the vehicle specifications and type. The applicant must submit supporting documents, including a copy of the passport, V5 logbook, and proof of ownership, and arrange payment of the prescribed non-refundable application fee.

The completed application and documents are submitted to the designated NRCS contact office for assessment. The NRCS reviews the vehicle’s compliance with applicable standards and, if approved, issues the Letter of Authority, typically within 5–10 working days.

Import Permit Application Process (ITAC)

Step 1: Determine Applicant Category

• Returning South African citizen, OR
• Bona fide immigrant with permanent residency

Step 2: Complete Form IE462

• Obtain Form IE462 from ITAC
• Complete all required sections
• Include vehicle and applicant information

Step 3: Prepare Category-Specific Documentation

For Returning South African Citizens:

• Identity document or passport copy
• Employer letter (MUST confirm permanent employment abroad—salary advices, payslips, job offers, contracts, tax returns, work permits NOT accepted)
• Letter must reflect employment period overseas
• Certified copy of official foreign vehicle registration certificate

For Bona Fide Immigrants:

• Copy of South African permanent residency certificate
• Copy of foreign passport (photo and details pages)
• Copy of foreign motor vehicle registration certificate
• Proof of study or research (if applicable)
• Supporting documentation for professional status

Step 4: Submit to ITAC

Step 5: ITAC Assessment & Issuance

• ITAC assesses application
• Verifies permanent residency status
• Approves or denies import permit
• Processing: Up to 5 working days once documents received
• No fee charged by ITAC

Step 6: Receive Import Permit

• ITAC issues Import Permit
• Typically issued within 4-5 days of approval
• Permit valid for importation
• Permits not posted to overseas addresses
• Can be forwarded via South African agent (approx. ZAR450 courier charge to UK)

Customs Duties & Taxes

Duty Exemption (If Eligible):

Eligibility Criteria:

• Registered vehicle owner for 12+ months prior to shipment
• Changing permanent residency to South Africa
• Only one vehicle per person
• Must not sell, hire, or dispose of vehicle for 2 years
• Apply using Form DA304A

Exemption includes:

• Full duty exemption (36% or 20% depending on age)
• VAT exemption (15%)
• Ad valorem duty exemption (0.75%-20%)

Standard Duty Rates (No Exemption):

Customs Duty:

• Vehicles up to 20 years old: 36%
• Vehicles over 20 years old: 20%

Ad Valorem Duty:

• Sliding scale: 0.75%-20% depending on vehicle age and value

Value Added Tax (VAT):

• Rate: 15% of adjusted value
• Applied to: Customs value + Customs duty + Ad valorem duty + 10% uplift
• Compounding effect: VAT calculated on inflated value increases final cost significantly

Form DA304A (Exemption Application):

• Submit to South African Revenue Service (SARS) on arrival
• Apply for Duty and VAT exemption
• Requires proof of eligibility
• Must commit to 2-year non-sale restriction
• Failure to meet conditions results in backdated taxes and penalties

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in South Africa begins when the vehicle arrives at the designated port and an Arrival Notice is issued. It is strongly recommended to appoint a licensed clearing agent to coordinate with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the port authority, manage documentation, and arrange duty payments.

Required documents—including the original Bill of Lading, Import Permit (where applicable), Letter of Authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, commercial invoice, proof of ownership, and supporting customs forms — must be submitted to SARS for valuation and assessment. SARS calculates the applicable duties and taxes, and once payment is completed, a Customs Release Notification is issued, allowing the vehicle to be collected from the port.

Vehicle Registration in South Africa

Registration Requirements:

All imported vehicles must be registered with a vehicle licensing office and pass a roadworthiness test before use on South African roads.

Registration Process:

1. Book roadworthiness test at approved testing station
2. Complete Form ALV (Application for Motor Vehicle License)
3. Submit to vehicle licensing office:
   • Completed Form ALV
   • Customs Release Notification Form
   • Roadworthiness Certificate
   • Proof of ownership
   • Passport/ID copy
4. Register vehicle with licensing office
5. Receive registration with South African plates and license disc

2-Year Sale Restriction:

If claiming duty exemption:

• Cannot sell vehicle for 2 years from registration date
• Cannot hire vehicle for 2 years
• Cannot transfer ownership for 2 years
• Restriction enforced by licensing office
• Violation results in backdated taxes and penalties

Useful Resources

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

South Africa Government Agencies:

• National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) – Letter of Authority
  • Website: NRCS.org.za
• International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) – Import Permits
  • Website: http://www.itac.org.za
• South African Revenue Service (SARS) – Customs duties and VAT
  • Website: www.sars.gov.za
  • Customs contact information
  • Motor vehicle duty information
• Department of Land Transport – Vehicle registration and licensing

Application Forms:

• NRCS Form LA01 (Letter of Authority application)
• ITAC Form IE462 (Import Permit application)
• SARS Form DA304A (Duty/VAT exemption application)
• Form ALV (Motor Vehicle Licence application)

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK to South Africa?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK to South Africa. 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 assess your eligibility, guide you through complex permit applications, and provide transparent costing for your South Africa car import.