Car Shipping from the UK to Durban, South Africa — RoRo Services

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Durban, South Africa via monthly RoRo sailings to the Port of Durban (Transnet Car Terminal). Transit takes approximately 30 days. RoRo starts from £1045 for a standard car. South Africa requires right-hand drive vehicles and enforces a 10-year age restriction on most used vehicle imports. SARS customs duty, VAT (15%), and Ad Valorem Excise Duty apply on arrival. Returning Residents may qualify for a duty concession. We handle all UK export documentation.

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.

Car Shipping Methods Ship Cars Ltd Offers

 At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to container shipping including Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars. 

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: 22-46 days 

• Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart once per month,

RORO Pricing Guide

Our prices are all-inclusive for the core RORO service. Below are guide prices for two common vehicle types.

Please contact us for a precise quote for shared or dedicated container shipping.

Understanding the Cost Breakdown for Car Shipping

The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements.

• 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

•       Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles. 

Paperwork for South African Customs

1. Original Bill of Lading: This is the title document for the shipment, which we will arrange and provide.

2. Customs Declaration Forms: These are submitted to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) upon arrival.

3. Proof of Ownership & Identity: Copies of your passport and, if applicable, your South African ID.

4. 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: South Africa is a member of SACU. Standard customs duty on imported passenger vehicles from non-SACU countries (including the UK) is typically 18% of the vehicle’s customs value. Verify the current rate with SARS at sars.gov.za before importing.

  • 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.

Valorem Excise Duty:

• Vehicles with a customs value up to R185,000: 0%

• Vehicles between R185,001 and R350,000: 20% of the value exceeding R185,000

• Vehicles above R350,000: R33,000 plus 25% of the value exceeding R350,000

Verify current thresholds at sars.gov.za — thresholds are reviewed annually.

Official Links:

• South African Revenue Service (SARS)

• International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC)

Returning Residents Concession:

South African citizens and permanent residents who have been living abroad and are returning permanently may qualify for a concession on vehicle import duty. Typical eligibility requirements include:

• Resident outside South Africa for at least 12 months

• Vehicle owned and registered in your name overseas for at least 12 months before return

• Returning to South Africa to live permanently

Under the concession, qualifying vehicles may be exempt from customs duty. VAT (15%) and Ad Valorem Excise Duty may still apply. An Import Permit from ITAC is still required. Apply to SARS Customs at the time of clearance in Durban with supporting evidence. Your Durban clearing agent will manage this process. Verify current eligibility criteria at sars.gov.za.

Import Permit (ITAC):

An Import Permit from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) is required for importing a used vehicle into South Africa. Apply online at itac.org.za before your vehicle ships — do not book your shipment until the permit is confirmed. The permit process typically takes 10–15 working days. Returning Residents applying under the concession scheme will also need an ITAC permit.

What Port Does My Car Arrive at in Durban?

Vehicles shipped via RoRo arrive at the Durban Car Terminal, operated by ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services Inc.) under licence from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The terminal is located within the Port of Durban on the south side of the harbour, approximately 4 kilometres from Durban city centre.

On arrival at Durban Car Terminal:

• Vehicles are discharged from the RoRo vessel directly into the terminal’s vehicle storage yard

• SARS Customs inspection and clearance is conducted at the terminal

• Your appointed Durban clearing agent manages the SARS declaration, duty payment, and vehicle release

• Typical Durban port clearance timeline: 5–14 working days after vessel arrival, depending on SARS queue and documentation completeness

Onward delivery from Durban:

• Durban and KwaZulu-Natal: Same-day or next-day delivery from the terminal after release

• Johannesburg/Gauteng: Approximately 560km by road — approximately 6 hours. Car carriers available from Durban

• Cape Town: Approximately 1,600km by road — car carrier required, approximately 2–3 days

• Pretoria: Approximately 590km by road

Durban vs Cape Town:

Durban is served by RoRo vessels — the more cost-effective option for standard roadworthy vehicles. Cape Town is served by container only (Cape Town). For customers in the Western Cape, Cape Town container shipping may be more practical despite higher cost.

10-Year Vehicle Age Limit: South Africa restricts the import of most used vehicles to those manufactured within the last 10 years. For 2026, vehicles manufactured before 2016 are generally ineligible for standard import. Returning Residents importing their personal vehicle may be exempt under the concession scheme. Verify your vehicle’s eligibility with your Durban clearing agent before booking.

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.

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.

Car Collection Service

We offer two convenient options for getting your vehicle to the UK port:

1. You Deliver: You can drive your vehicle directly to our designated UK port.

2. 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.

Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options.  Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages.

FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Durban?

RoRo shipping from the UK to Durban starts from £1,045 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf, Ford Focus) and £1,344 for a large SUV or 4×4 (e.g. Range Rover, BMW X5). These prices cover UK port to Durban port sea freight only. South African import duty, VAT (15%), Ad Valorem Excise Duty, ITAC permit fees, port handling charges, and clearing agent fees are payable separately in Durban.

Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Durban take?

Transit from the UK to the Port of Durban takes approximately 22-46 days via RoRo, with monthly sailings. Including UK collection and South African customs clearance (typically 5–14 working days after arrival), allow 8–10 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available in Durban.

Q: What import duty and tax will I pay when shipping a car to Durban?

South African vehicle imports are subject to customs duty (typically 18%), VAT at 15% on the customs value plus duty, and Ad Valorem Excise Duty based on vehicle value (0% to 25%+ depending on value in ZAR). Returning South African residents who qualify under the Returning Residents concession may be exempt from customs duty. An ITAC Import Permit is required in all cases.

Q: Can I ship an older UK car to Durban?

South Africa generally restricts imports to vehicles manufactured within the last 10 years. For 2026, vehicles manufactured before 2016 are typically ineligible for standard import. Returning Residents may qualify for an exemption under the Returning Residents concession. Verify your vehicle’s specific eligibility with your Durban clearing agent before purchasing or booking shipment.

Q: Is Durban or Cape Town the better port for shipping from the UK?

Durban is served by RoRo vessels — the more cost-effective method, starting from £1045, with 22-46 day transit. Cape Town is served by container only (no RoRo), starting from approximately £1,095, with 22–46 day transit. If you are moving to the Western Cape, Cape Town container shipping may be more convenient despite the higher cost. If you are moving to KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, or elsewhere in South Africa, Durban RoRo is generally the most cost-effective choice.

Ship Your Car to Durban With Ship Cars Ltd

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.

Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to

Cape Town

Walvis Bay

Mombasa

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