There are regulations that must be complied with in order to ship a car to South Africa and understanding the legal and logical steps in completing this process, is fundamental. There are specific permits, customs regulations and vehicle inspections that must be followed to ensure you comply with South African law.
In this guide we will outline everything you need to know about shipping a car to South Africa, legally.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility to Import/Ship a Car to South Africa
Before making any shipping arrangements, you must confirm whether you are allowed to ship your vehicle into South Africa. This includes securing a Permit and Letter of Authority. The country has strict rules limiting used car imports. Only returning South African citizens, permanent residents, diplomats and certain approved individuals or businesses may bring in vehicles.
Under the International Trade Administration Act (No. 71 of 2002), all used or second-hand vehicles need an International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) import permit before shipping to South Africa. In all cases, disposal or sale of the vehicle is prohibited in the first 24 months of it entering South Africa. Permits for passenger/LDVs (Light Delivery Vehicles) are only issued in specific cases:
- Immigrants (new permanent residents):
- Complete the Application Form IE462 after permanent-resident status is issued by the Department Home Affairs.
- Attach copies of your foreign registration certificate, passport photo page, permanent-residence permit.
- Returning SA Residents/Nationals:
- Must have been abroad for at least six months for work, study, or research with the vehicle registered in the applicant’s name abroad for that entire period.
- The Application Form – IE462, is still required.
- Up to three vehicles may be imported per person.
- Vehicles must remain owned for two years post-import.
- Physically Disabled Persons:
- Form IE463, medical certificate, and rebate permit needed.
- Inheritance:
- Form IE463, deceased’s documents, will, and death certificate required.
- Vintage & Collector’s Vehicles:
- Vehicles 40 years or older, or recognised as collector items.
- Form IE463, affidavit, plus ID and proof the vehicle is a collector’s item.
- Racing Cars:
- Only for use in circuit/track events, not on public roads.
- Racing licence (MSA) required, plus affidavit, IE463 and ID .
Important: Permits are not issued for used vehicles intended for resale or commercial purposes, or sourced from bonded warehouses.
- A letter of Authority must be obtained from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications.
Step 2: Application Forms and Letter of Authority
- The following Application forms will be required by the ITAC:
Application Form IE462
Application Form IE463 - In addition to completing an ITAC Application Form, you will also need to obtain a Letter of Authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). This is a mandatory requirement before your vehicle can be cleared for entry into South Africa. For a single vehicle import, use Form LoA1; other cases may require LoA2, LoA3, or an Exemption Form, depending on the specific circumstances. As part of the application, you must submit proof that the vehicle conforms to South African safety and technical standards – typically based on SABS, UN ECE, or EEC regulations.
Importantly, left-hand drive vehicles that were not registered in South Africa before 23 July 2004 (or 1 January 2000, depending on regulatory interpretation) may not be imported, licensed, or operated on public roads. The processing time for an LoA typically ranges from 4 to 21 working days, and the application fee is approximately R1,800, with additional courier costs depending on delivery preferences.
Step 3: Choose a Suitable Shipping Method
Once you are approved to import the car, the next step is selecting how it will be shipped to South Africa. There are two primary shipping methods available: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping and container shipping.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
RoRo is the most cost-effective and commonly used method for transporting standard vehicles. In this method, the car is driven directly onto a specialised cargo vessel designed for transporting wheeled cargo. Vehicles are secured in designated decks inside the ship and are protected from the elements during the voyage. However, there are some important limitations:
- The vehicle must be in full working condition – it must be able to start, steer, and brake on its own.
- You cannot ship personal belongings inside the vehicle; the car must be empty except for standard manufacturer-supplied equipment (e.g. spare tyre, jack).
- RoRo is generally suitable for everyday passenger vehicles, such as sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, and is commonly used for imports from Europe, the UK, Japan, and the Middle East.
RoRo services are also faster to load and unload, and vessels run on regular schedules from many major ports. However, security is more limited compared to containers, and vehicles are exposed to more handling.
Container Shipping
Container shipping is a more secure and flexible alternative, particularly suitable for high-value, rare, vintage, luxury, or non-running vehicles that require additional protection. In this method, your vehicle is loaded into a sealed 20-foot or 40-foot container, which is then placed on a cargo ship. This method has several key advantages:
- The container offers enhanced protection from weather, sea salt, and damage during transit.
- You are generally permitted to ship personal belongings or spare parts alongside the vehicle, depending on the regulations of the country of origin and your shipping provider’s policies.
- It is ideal for vehicles that cannot be driven due to mechanical issues or modifications.
There are additional considerations with container shipping, including higher costs due to the container hire and handling fees, as well as slightly longer loading and unloading times. However, for classic car collectors, business imports, or those relocating with a valuable vehicle, container shipping provides greater peace of mind.
To summarise:
Roll-on roll-off shipping is:
- Cost effective
- Vehicle driven directly onto a shipping vessel.
- Only for cars in working condition
Container shipping is:
- More secure
- Ideal for luxury cars, classic models or non-running vehicles
- Allows you to ship personal belongings alongside the car depending on origin country regulations
Step 4: Prepare the Vehicle for Shipping
Before shipping, you must prepare the vehicle to meet international shipping and customs standards. Clean the car thoroughly, both inside and out. This helps avoid delays caused by biosecurity concerns, as many countries inspect for dirt, plant matter, or pets. Remove all personal belongings. Keep the fuel tank nearly empty to ensure safety during transit. Also, take clear, dated photographs of the vehicle from all sides. These photos will document the vehicle’s condition in case of any transport-related damage.
Step 5: Organise and Verify Documentation Before Arrival
Presenting accurate documents avoids delays and unexpected costs at the port. Required documents include:
- Original vehicle registration or title – This proves that you are the legal owner of the car. It is used to verify ownership, ensure the vehicle isn’t stolen and confirm it hasn’t been decommissioned or written off in its home country
- Import permit – This is issued by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. It is official approval allowing you to bring a motor vehicle into South Africa. Customs will not release your car without it. It verifies that the importation complies with national trade policy
- Letter of Authority – Confirms compliance with local standards
- Purchase invoice or vehicle valuation – This provides proof of the car’s value. Customs uses this to calculate duties and taxes owed. It must reflect the actual purchase price or an official valuation if the car was gifted, inherited or privately owned over a long period.
- Copy of your identification or passport – Your ID or passport ties all documentation back to you, the importer. This ensures the shipment is legally connected to the person applying for clearance and registration
- Bill of lading issued by the shipping company – This is a shipping document that details the journey of your vehicle. It confirms the shipment details including the port of origin, destination and carrier. Customs uses it to track and verify cargo movement.
Having these documents ready and accurate is a non-negotiable for smooth customs clearance.
Step 6: Understand and Prepare for Import Duties and Taxes
Once your car arrives in South Africa, it cannot be released from the port until all custom duties and taxes have been paid. This step is handled by the South African Revenue Services (SARS), and it is one of the most important stages in the vehicle import process.
Charges include:
- Import duty- A percentage of the car’s value.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) -15% of the value + the import duty.
- Ad Valorem tax- For high- value or luxury cars.
To make the payment, SARS will issue a customs assessment. You or your shipping agent must then settle the amount directly with SARS before the vehicle can move to the next step in the process. Proof of payment is required to continue with roadworthy testing and vehicle registration. It is also important to note that if the customs value declared is found to be too low or inaccurate, SARS may reject the declaration and revalue the vehicle. this can result in higher taxes and possible delays. For this reason, always make sure your valuation and supporting documents are accurate and honest.
Step 7: Complete a Roadworthy Test
Before you can register the car for road use, it must pass a roadworthy inspection. This is conducted at an accredited testing station and confirms that the vehicle meets national safety and environmental standards.
Common checks include:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Steering
- Visibility (windscreen and wipers).
For more detailed inspection beyond the standard test, AVTS Roadworthy Stations offers a “Roadworthy Plus 50” service, which includes 50 additional checks.
Step 8: Register the Vehicle Locally
After passing inspection and paying all duties, you must register the vehicle with your local licensing authority. Submit the following:
- Roadworthy certificate
- Proof of customs clearance
- Import documentation
- Valid ID
- Proof of residential address
Once the authority processes your documents, you’ll receive a South African registration number and license disc, allowing legal road use.
Step 9: Consider Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance
While vehicle insurance is not required for registration, it is highly recommended. It protects against Accidents, Theft and Third-Party Claims.
Conclusion
Shipping a car to South Africa requires patience, planning, and full compliance with the country’s regulations. From confirming your eligibility and securing permits to clearing customs and passing inspection, every step plays a key role in importing your vehicle legally and safely. In order to drive any car in South Africa, including your own, you need to hold a valid drivers license. Read our Guide on Applying for a South African Drivers License to learn more.
A professional shipping agent or customs broker can help simplify the process, especially if this is your first import. With the right preparation, your vehicle can make its journey and be ready for South African roads with confidence and compliance.
Written by Xabisa Mxokozeli, Creative Marketing Assistant
