Car Shipping to Durban
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1195
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Shipping Your Car from the UK to Durban, South Africa: The Complete Guide
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to the vibrant port city of Durban is a significant step towards a new chapter in South Africa. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in making this process seamless, reliable, and fully compliant with South African import regulations. This definitive guide provides a complete overview of our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service to Durban, covering costs, essential paperwork, tax implications, and the critical preparation needed for a smooth arrival.
Why Ship Your Vehicle to Durban, South Africa?
Durban is a major economic hub and a gateway to the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal province. Having your own vehicle offers the freedom to explore its stunning coastline and interior. Common reasons for shipping include:
- Relocation: Moving to South Africa for work, retirement, or to be closer to family, and bringing the comfort and familiarity of your own vehicle.
- Returning Residents: South African citizens or permanent residents returning home and bringing their UK-purchased vehicle back with them.
- Vehicle Value & Choice: Shipping a car you already own can be more cost-effective than purchasing a new one in South Africa, especially for specific models, luxury cars, or vehicles with sentimental value.
- Business & Commercial Use: Importing vehicles for business purposes or for a specific project where a known vehicle is required.
Our Shipping Method: Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) to Durban
For most operational vehicles, our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service is the most efficient and cost-effective choice for shipping to Durban.
- How it Works: Your vehicle is driven under its own power onto a specialised car carrier vessel at the UK port. It is then securely parked and chocked down within the ship’s multi-deck garage for the ocean voyage to the Port of Durban.
- Benefits: RORO is generally more affordable than container shipping and is specifically designed for the transport of operational motor vehicles. It is a proven and reliable method used globally.
- Considering a Container? For non-running vehicles, high-value classics requiring maximum protection, or if you need to ship personal belongings, we also offer international container shipping services.
Key Service Details & Pricing
Here is a clear breakdown of our RORO service from the UK to Durban.
Transit Time & Frequency
- Average Transit Time: 30 days from the UK port to the Port of Durban.
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart once per month, so advance booking is highly recommended to secure your space.
RORO Pricing Guide
Our prices are all-inclusive for the core RORO service. Below are guide prices for two common vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | Example | Guide Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard Car | VW Golf, Ford Focus | £765 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £1,075 |
Please contact us for a precise quote for shared or dedicated container shipping.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements.
- Ocean Freight: The core cost of the RORO vessel transport from the UK to Durban.
- UK Port Fees: Handling and administrative charges at the departure port.
- South Africa Port Fees: Including wharfage, terminal handling, and port authority charges at the Port of Durban.
- Documentation: Our fee for professionally managing all required UK export and South African import paperwork, including customs declarations.
- Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage during the voyage (detailed below).
- Vehicle Collection: An additional service fee if you require us to collect your vehicle from your UK location.
Paperwork Required for Shipping
Accurate and complete documentation is essential for a smooth export from the UK and import into South Africa.
Paperwork from the UK
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): The original logbook is mandatory. This is required for the UK’s permanent export process.
- Proof of Identity & Ownership: A copy of your passport and a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
For a full pre-shipment checklist, read our guide on Preparing Your Car for Export.
Paperwork for South African Customs
- Original Bill of Lading: This is the title document for the shipment, which we will arrange and provide.
- Customs Declaration Forms: These are submitted to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) upon arrival.
- Proof of Ownership & Identity: Copies of your passport and, if applicable, your South African ID.
- Import Permit: Depending on the vehicle’s age and type, an import permit from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) may be required.
South African Import Rules, Duty & Tax
Understanding South Africa’s import regulations is critical. The rules differ for temporary and permanent imports.
- Temporary Import: Tourists can temporarily import a vehicle for up to 12 months. You must provide a cross-border guarantee (cash deposit or bank guarantee) which is refunded when you export the vehicle.
- Permanent Import: For residents, the following taxes and duties apply:
- Customs Duty: Typically 20% of the vehicle’s customs value for passenger vehicles, but can vary.
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): 15% is levied on the sum of the customs value plus the duty payable.
- Ad Valorem Excise Duty: An additional tax based on the vehicle’s value, which can be significant.
- Important Note: South Africa has strict rules on the age of vehicles that can be imported, and left-hand drive vehicles are generally prohibited. All vehicles must be right-hand drive.
Official Links:
Vehicle Preparation & Insurance
Preparing Your Vehicle for RORO Shipping
Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures compliance with shipping line and South African regulations.
- Fuel Level: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full.
- Personal Belongings: Loading your vehicle with personal goods is strictly not allowed in RORO shipping. The vehicle must be completely empty.
- Vehicle Cleanliness: The vehicle should be clean, both inside and out. A dirty vehicle may be rejected for loading.
- Alarm Systems: Disable any alarm or immobiliser systems to prevent battery drain and unnecessary activation during transit.
- Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in good, fully operational condition for RORO shipping.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, please read our dedicated article: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
Insurance & Risk Coverage
We offer two levels of marine insurance coverage for your peace of mind on the long journey.
| Coverage Type | Cost | What’s Covered | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Loss Cover | 1% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Total loss only, due to fire or water damage. | – |
| Comprehensive Cover | 1.5% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Covers total loss, fire, water damage, and cosmetic damage. | Vehicle must be under 10 years old. A condition report is mandatory. |
About the Condition Report: This is a pre-shipping inspection to document the vehicle’s existing condition. It is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.
Vehicle Collection & What’s Allowed
How We Collect Your Vehicle
We offer two convenient options for getting your vehicle to the UK port:
- You Deliver: You can drive your vehicle directly to our designated UK port.
- We Collect: We can collect your vehicle from your home or workplace using a transporter or a trade plate driver.
- Requirements for Collection: The vehicle must have a valid MOT and be fully operational to be driven.
Vehicle & Item Restrictions
It is vital to adhere to these rules to prevent delays, fines, or seizure of your vehicle.
- Allowed Vehicles:
- Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
- Hybrid vehicles are allowed.
- Not Allowed / Restrictions:
- Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via a dedicated container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.
- Personal Belongings: Please speak to US if allowed inside the vehicle for RORO shipments.
- Prohibited Items: This includes but is not limited to:
- Flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances (e.g., fuel cans, gas bottles, acids).
- Alcohol, tobacco (beyond personal allowances), and drugs/narcotics.
- Weapons, ammunition, or any sharp objects.
- Perishable foods.
- Any other hazardous materials.
Essential Resources for a Successful Shipment
To ensure you are fully prepared and avoid common pitfalls, we highly recommend reviewing these key articles from our resource centre:
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping – Learn from others’ experiences to ensure a smooth process.
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping – Proactive steps to protect your vehicle from port to port.
Ready to Ship Your Car to Durban?
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Durban is a detailed process, but with Ship Cars Ltd, you have a trusted partner to manage it all. We handle the UK export, ocean freight, and guide you through the specifics of South African import regulations.
Our transparent pricing and expert knowledge make us the ideal choice for your vehicle shipping needs to South Africa. Contact us today for a precise, no-obligation quote and let us ensure your vehicle arrives in Durban safely and efficiently.
