Import Cars from the UK and Japan to Zambia

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Zambia. With years of experience, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and customs clearance in Lusaka.

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

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK and Japanese trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications, condition, and negotiate the best prices for you.

All prestige brands are available, including Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

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 Zambia.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

• Bespoke sourcing across UK and Japanese markets
• Management of purchase and collection
• Quality assessment and condition verification
• Mileage verification and reports
• JEVIC roadworthiness inspection

Car Shipping to Zambia

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

Shipping Options:

• RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Most economical (24-34 days from Japan)
• Container shipping: Most secure option (20ft/40ft available)
• Shipping to multiple ports: Dar es Salaam, Durban, Walvis Bay

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items to support smooth customs clearance in Zambia. We send all required documents to your address or clearing agent. It is strongly recommended to engage a licensed clearing agent to manage customs clearance, documentation, and vehicle registration.

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

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Zambia permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, and other countries with no age restrictions. All vehicles must be right-hand drive and pass the JEVIC roadworthiness inspection. Import duties are calculated on CIF value with additional excise duty and VAT. A carbon emission surtax applies based on engine capacity. Vehicles older than 5 years are subject to additional surtax.

Key Requirements:

1. No age restriction: Vehicles of any age can be imported
2. Right-hand drive mandatory: Only RHD permitted (exceptions for ambulances/fire engines)
3. JEVIC inspection: Mandatory pre-export roadworthiness inspection
4. Customs duty: Based on vehicle CIF value
5. Excise duty: Based on vehicle type and engine capacity
6. VAT: 16% on adjusted value
7. Carbon emission surtax: ZMW 50,000-ZMW 200,000 depending on engine cc
8. 5+ year surtax: Additional 20% for vehicles over 5 years old
9. Licensed clearing agent: Strongly recommended 10.RTSA registration: Road Transport and Safety Agency registration required

Zambia Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Zambia permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from the UK, Japan, and other countries.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

• No age limit: Vehicles of any age can be imported
• 5-year threshold: Vehicles older than 5 years subject to additional 20% surtax
• Verification required: Age documentation (year of manufacture) may be required
• No exceptions: Age restrictions do not apply

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

• Mandatory: All vehicles must be right-hand drive
• Exceptions: Ambulances and fire engines may be LHD
• No flexibility: Right-hand drive strictly enforced for standard vehicles

JEVIC Roadworthiness Inspection:

• Mandatory: All vehicles must pass JEVIC inspection before export
• Timing: Inspection conducted in country of origin (UK/Japan)
• Provider: Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre (JEVIC) or authorized agency
• Requirement: Inspection certificate must accompany vehicle
• Standards: Vehicle must meet safety and environmental standards

Vehicle Condition Requirements:

• Roadworthiness: Vehicle must be roadworthy and safe
• Mechanical condition: All systems must be functional
• General condition: Vehicle in acceptable overall condition
• Environmental compliance: Must meet environmental standards

Documents Required for Zambia Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (UK/Japan):

• Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
• Proof of ownership (vehicle registration/title)
• Insurance documentation
• Vehicle identification (VIN/chassis/engine numbers)
• Age verification (year of manufacture documentation)

For JEVIC Inspection:

• Vehicle registration/ownership documentation
• Inspection booking (managed by exporter)
• JEVIC inspection certificate
• Roadworthiness verification

For Customs Clearance (At Port):

• Bill of Lading (original from shipping company)
• Commercial Invoice (with full vehicle details and CIF value)
• JEVIC Inspection Certificate (mandatory)
• Non-Sale Certificate (confirming vehicle not for sale in transit)
• Original Certificate of Title (proof of ownership)
• Certificate of Registration (from country of origin)
• Valuation Certificate (CIF value assessment)

For Zambia Customs Entry:

• Passport/National ID (of importer)
• Driver's License (valid driver's license)
• International Insurance Policy (green card with international coverage)
• Letter of Transfer (from employer, if applicable)
• Import permit documentation (if required by ZRA)
• All shipping documentation (complete Bill of Lading package)

For Vehicle Registration (RTSA):

• All customs clearance documentation
• Proof of duty payment (ZRA receipt)
• Valuation certificate
• Inspection certificate
• Insurance documentation
• Passport/ID
• Address verification

Import Duties & Taxes (Detailed Calculation)

Customs Duty (Step 1):

• Calculation basis: CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value
• Rate varies by: Vehicle type and classification
• Passenger cars: Typically 25%-30% of CIF value
• Luxury vehicles: May have special rates (e.g., 2018+ prestige cars capped at USD5,000)
• Formula: CIF Value × Customs Duty Rate

Excise Duty (Step 2):

• Basis: Vehicle type and engine capacity
• Passenger cars: 15%-30% depending on engine size
• Engine capacity tiers:
  • Up to 1500cc: Lower excise rate
  • 1501-2000cc: Moderate excise rate
  • 2001-3000cc: Higher excise rate
  • 3000cc+: Highest excise rate

VAT (Step 3):

• Rate: 16% on taxable value
• Calculation: 16% of (CIF + Customs Duty + Excise Duty)
• Cumulative: Applied after customs and excise duties

Carbon Emission Surtax:

• Charged annually on engine capacity
• Up to 1500cc: ZMW 50,000
• 1501-2000cc: ZMW 100,000
• 2001-3000cc: ZMW 150,000
• 3000cc and above: ZMW 200,000
• Non-negotiable: Required for all vehicles

5-Year Vehicle Surtax:

• Vehicles older than 5 years: Additional 20% surtax applied
• Basis: Applied to CIF value
• Example: 10-year-old vehicle = 20% additional cost

Luxury Vehicle Exemption (Recent Initiative):

• 2018+ prestige cars: Import duty capped at USD5,000
• Significant savings: On high-value imports

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process begins when the vehicle arrives at the designated port (Dar es Salaam, Durban, or Walvis Bay) and is placed under customs control. A licensed clearing agent registered with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) manages the entire process, submitting required documentation and coordinating the assessment. ZRA determines the vehicle’s value, calculates all applicable duties and taxes, and issues an assessment for payment. Once duties are settled and the vehicle is released from the port, inland transport to Lusaka is arranged. The final step is registration with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), where the vehicle is inspected if required, issued number plates, and legally registered for road use.

Vehicle Registration (RTSA)

Registration Requirements:

• Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) registration mandatory
• Original ownership documentation required
• Proof of duty payment (ZRA receipt)
• Vehicle valuation certificate
• Inspection certification
• Importer present for registration

Registration Process:

1. Complete RTSA registration form
2. Submit customs clearance documentation
3. Present proof of ZRA duty payment
4. Provide valuation certificate
5. Pay RTSA registration fees
6. Receive Zambian number plates
7. Obtain vehicle licence.

Why Choose UK Roadrunner for Your Zambia Car Import

Years Zambia Experience:

With years of experience exporting to Zambia, we understand local regulations, customs procedures, and import requirements thoroughly.

Complete Service:

We offer a fully managed service from UK/Japan sourcing through delivery in Lusaka. Optional clearing and registration assistance available.

Exceptional Quality Vehicles:

All vehicles thoroughly inspected and assessed. We verify age compliance and conduct JEVIC roadworthiness inspections.

VAT-Free Savings (20% on UK cars):

• We specialise in sourcing VAT-qualifying cars and pass the full 20% VAT saving to you.

Attractive Luxury Car Rates:

Benefit from special import duty capping for 2018+ prestige cars (USD5,000 cap). Significant savings on high-value imports.

Transparent Cost Breakdown:

We provide detailed cost breakdowns showing customs duty, excise duty, VAT, carbon emission surtax, and all additional charges upfront.

Trusted & Proven:

• With satisfied customers and years experience, you can trust us to deliver exceptional service.

Useful Resources

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

Zambia Government Agencies:

• Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) – Import duties, VAT, taxes, and customs clearance
  • Website: www.zra.org.zm
  • Customs duty calculator
  • Import regulations and procedures
• Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) – Vehicle registration and licensing
  • Vehicle registration procedures
  • Road tax and licensing information
• Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) – Vehicle standards and roadworthiness

Shipping Ports:

• Port of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) – Primary discharge port for Zambia imports
• Port of Durban (South Africa) – Alternative port option
• Port of Walvis Bay (Namibia) – Alternative port option

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

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Zambia via Dar es Salaam, Durban, or Walvis Bay. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about vehicle sourcing from the UK and Japan (prestige brands, Grade 4+ quality) and Zambia import regulations and requirements.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll handle everything from sourcing through delivery in Lusaka and provide transparent costing showing your total import burden.