Car shipping to South Africa

Guidelines for the Importation of Used Vehicles into South Africa
Car shipping to South Africa, including Durban and Capetown, East London and Port Elizabeth

Information imported from ITAC Website

General Information:

Persons / Firms that wish to or intend importing a used or second-hand vehicle and /or used or second hand spares and parts are strongly advised, before placing an order or buying / shipping a vehicle or vehicle spares / parts to South Africa, to first apply for and obtain an IMPORT PERMIT and a LETTER OF AUTHORITY. In cases where the applicant clearly qualifies in terms of the guidelines, and the correct documentation is submitted, permits are issued within an average of 5 to 6 working days. In cases where the merits of the specific application have to be evaluated, it takes longer, depending on the nature of the particular case.

Import permit application forms can be downloaded from the following Website:

www.itac.org.za , (Documents, applications forms, imports). For further information or clarification you may contact ITAC at the following numbers:

Marius Collins:                        (012) 394 3617 or email: mcollins@itac.org.za

Rene van Veeren:                   (012) 394 3610

Requirements for Import Permit Application:

Immigrants:

1) Completion of the IE462 form.

2) Applicant must have permanent residence and be in possession of a permanent residence permit issued by the Department of Home Affairs ( South African).

3) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Documents.

4) Copy of Foreign passport.

5) The vehicle may not be disposed of within 24 months from the date of importation.

6) These are the basic requirements , other documents may be called for if required.

Returning South African Residents and National:

1) Applicant may import up to a maximum of 1 vehicles if he/she returns permanently to South Africa after a minimum uninterrupted period of absence of 12 months working , studying or conducting research abroad.

2) The vehicle must also be registered in the name of the returning resident for a minimum uninterrupted corresponding period of 12 months (working, etc) prior to return.

3) Completion of the IE462 form

4) Must be in possession of the foreign Motor Vehicle Registration document in the name of the applicant.

5) Copy of the South African Identity document,(page with barcode and details).

6) Copy of South African passport(page with barcode and details).

7) Proof of permanent employment abroad (this must be a typed, signed and dated letter on the Company Letterhead confirming that the applicant (full name) has been permanently employed, confirming the start and termination dates of employment.

8) The imported vehicle may not be disposed of within a period of 24 months from the date of importation.

9) These are the basic requirements other docs may be called for if required.

Letter of Authority application forms can be downloaded from the Website:

www.sars.co.za , (Regulatory affairs, Vehicle – LOA, Forms, Application form LOA1). For further information or clarification you may contact SABS at the following numbers:

Siyabusa Citwa:           (012) 428 6891 or email : CITWASI@nrcs.org.za

Fax:                           (012) 428 6565

Requirements for Letter of Authority requirements:

1) All documents must be scanned and emailed or couriered, faxed copies will not be accepted.

2) Proof of Compliance with European Regulations(ECC or ECE) or ADR Rules issued by the original manufacturer.

3) Identity Document and Passport of applicant.

4) All vehicles manufactured after 1 January 1997 must have 17 characters VIN.

5) Vehicle Registration of the foreign country, must be in English.

6) Proof of ownership – the vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name.

7) Proof of payment to SABS – copy of deposit slip in case of bank transfer.

Once you have been issued with the above permits, you can proceed to arrange for shipment of the vehicle to South Africa.

Guidelines to determine whether you will be liable for the payment of Customs Duty and Customs Vat:

Documentation required:

1)      Original Passport

2)      Import Permit

3)      Letter of Authority

4)      Country of Origin Registration Certificate

5)      Official Valuation of vehicle

Requirements to qualify to rebate of Customs Duty and Customs Vat:

1)      Vehicle must be owned for 12 months prior to shipment

2)      Vehicle may not be disposed of with 24 months of import in South Africa.

3)      You must have acquired Residency in the country that you are departing to come to SA.

4)      If you have dual citizenship, above is not required.

5)      You must be in possession of an official valuation for the vehicle ( preferably issued by a dealership)

6)      Completion of the DA 304(A) form.

Should you not qualify for the above you will be liable for payment of full Customs Duty and Customs Vat.

In order to avoid unnecessary additional costs being incurred at the port it is important that you make the above original docs available to us to present to SARS not less than 7 working days prior to arrival of the vessel.

Documents required to Facilitate Customs Clearance and delivery of shipment.

 1)      Original Passport

2)      Import Permit

3)      Letter of Authority

4)      Country of Origin Registration Certificate

5)      Official Valuation of vehicle

6)      Original bill of lading

Harbours and Internal Offices

SARS Head Office

---

Contact type:	Customs: Harbours and Internal Offices
Country:	South Africa
Region:	Gauteng
City:	Pretoria
Telephone number:	(012) 422 4000
Fax number:	(012) 422 5180
Physical address:	Lehae la Sars Buildings 299 Bronkhorst Street Nieuw Muckleneuk
Postal address:	Private Bag X923 Pretoria 0001

Car shipping to South Africa explained by FirstBase Freight Ltd, contact us Tel: 0844 272 6731.