South Africa is the most regulated used-vehicle market in Africa. Imports are restricted by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) and are generally limited to returning residents, immigrants, vintage vehicles and specially permitted categories. Standard commercial used-car imports are not permitted.
If you qualify — typically because you are a returning South African resident or a new immigrant on a permanent residence permit — UK-to-South Africa shipping is straightforward: weekly RoRo sailings to Durban, regular container service to Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and a well-developed clearing network at destination.
Main port(s): Durban (main), Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Indicative transit: 28–34 days RoRo · 32–40 days container. Indicative pricing: From £1,395 RoRo (saloon) · From £2,250 sole-use 20ft · From £995/car shared 40ft.
Who can import a vehicle into South Africa?
ITAC issues import permits in narrow categories: returning South African citizens who have lived abroad for a continuous period (usually 6+ months), immigrants on a Permanent Residence permit, inheritance cases, vintage vehicles (40+ years old), and certain specialist or industry-specific cases.
You must apply for the ITAC import permit before the vehicle is shipped. Without an ITAC permit in hand, the shipment cannot be cleared at destination. We will not load a car for South Africa unless the ITAC permit number is supplied.
- Returning resident (6+ months abroad)
- Permanent residence permit holder (immigrant)
- Inherited vehicle (with proof)
- Vintage vehicle (40+ years old)
- Specialist categories (motor industry, special-use)
Ports and route options
Durban is the main RoRo gateway for UK-sourced vehicles, with weekly direct sailings from Southampton via the Grimaldi and Hoegh services. Cape Town and Port Elizabeth are container-focused, served by weekly container sailings from Felixstowe.
For returning residents moving with household goods, a 20ft container with the vehicle inside is the most efficient option — single bill of lading, single customs entry, single clearance fee.
Documents and SARS clearance
On top of the ITAC permit you need the V5C, passport, bill of lading, proof of residence abroad (for returning residents) or permanent residence permit (for immigrants), and a Letter of Authority (LoA) issued by the NRCS confirming the vehicle complies with South African safety standards.
SARS handles customs clearance. Duty and VAT rates depend on your status — returning residents and qualifying immigrants are typically duty- and VAT-exempt on one motor vehicle, subject to use and ownership conditions (you must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months prior to shipping).
Duty, VAT and exemption rules
If you qualify under the returning-resident or immigrant concession, the vehicle is imported duty-free and VAT-free, provided you owned and used it for at least 12 months before shipping and undertake not to sell it for 24 months after arrival.
Outside the concession, import duty is around 18% and ad valorem excise scales from 0.75% to 30% depending on value. VAT is 15% on the duty-paid value. Always confirm your tax position with a SARS-registered clearing agent before shipping — getting it wrong is expensive.
Transit times to South Africa
Direct RoRo Southampton → Durban is 28–32 days. Containers run 32–40 days via Felixstowe. Sailings to Cape Town routinely transit via Algeciras or Las Palmas and can be 4–6 days longer.
Allow 14–21 days at destination for ITAC verification, NRCS Letter of Authority, SARS clearance and delivery to your home address.
Expert tips for South Africa shipments
Apply for the ITAC permit at the very start of the process — permits can take 4–8 weeks and are the single biggest cause of shipment delay. Have the application reviewed by a South African customs agent before submission.
Right-hand-drive vehicles only — South Africa is an RHD market and LHD imports are extremely difficult to register. Vintage exemptions apply for 40+-year-old vehicles.
- Apply for ITAC permit before the vehicle even leaves the UK
- Use a SARS-registered clearing agent at destination
- RHD only (vintage 40+ years exempt)
- Returning-resident exemption requires 12 months prior ownership
Frequently asked questions
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