South Africa
Importing Vehicle Guide
Your Comprehensive Guide to Importing Vehicles into South Africa!
Smoothly Import
Your Vehicle into South Africa
Importing a Vehicle into South Africa: A Guide
Importing a second-hand vehicle into South Africa is a process that requires a permit. This regulation is in place to safeguard the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry. Here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility for Importing Used Vehicles: Only under specific circumstances can permits be granted. These primarily apply to returning South African nationals and immigrants with permanent residence, allowing them to bring vehicles already registered in their names.
- Special Cases for Importation: Besides personal vehicles of eligible individuals, certain types of cars are permitted for importation. These include racing cars, vintage passenger vehicles, specially designed vehicles, and inherited vehicles.
Understanding these guidelines is crucial before considering the importation of any used vehicle into South Africa.
Steps to Import a Vehicle into South Africa
To import a used vehicle, goods vehicle, or trailer into South Africa, follow these essential steps:
- Obtain a Letter of Authority:
- First, secure a letter of authority from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
- Complete the Application:
- Fill out the “Application for Importation of a Second-Hand or Used Vehicle” form (IE462).
- Required Documents:
- For South African Citizens:
- Identity document or passport
- A letter from your employer confirming permanent employment abroad, detailing the period of employment (note: salary advices, payslips, job offers, job contracts, tax returns, work permits, etc., are not accepted as proof of employment)
- A certified copy of the official foreign vehicle registration certificate
- For Bona Fide Immigrants:
- A copy of your South African permanent residence certificate
- A copy of your foreign passport (page with photo and details)
- A copy of your foreign motor vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of study or research to be concluded, where applicable
- For South African Citizens:
- Processing Time:
- Once all required documents are received, the process may take up to five days to complete.
- Import Control Policy:
- The prevailing import control policy applies to different categories of goods. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure compliance.
Importing Used or Second-Hand Motor Vehicles for Personal Use
Permits for importing used or second-hand passenger motor vehicles into South Africa are granted under specific conditions:
Eligible Applicants:
- Immigrants:
- Permits are available for immigrants wishing to import private passenger motor vehicles and light delivery vehicles (LDVs).
- Applicants must have been granted permanent residence status by the Department of Home Affairs.
Application Process:
- Complete the Form:
- Fill out the “Application for Importation of a Second-Hand or Used Vehicle” form (IE462).
- Submit Required Documents:
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
- A copy of the motor vehicle registration certificate
- A copy of the applicant’s foreign passport
- A copy of the permanent residence certificate
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
Conditions:
- Restriction on Disposal:
- Imported vehicles cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of within 24 months from the date of importation.
- If permanent residence status is not yet available, applicants must seek temporary clearance from SARS, Customs, and Excise.
Importing Vehicles for Returning South African Residents and Nationals
Returning South African residents or nationals can import used or second-hand passenger vehicles or light delivery vehicles (LDVs) under the following conditions:
Eligibility:
- Returning Permanently:
- You must be returning to South Africa permanently after a minimum uninterrupted period of six months spent working, studying, or conducting research abroad.
- Up to three vehicles per person with a valid driver’s license are allowed.
- Vehicle Registration:
- The vehicle must have been registered in your name for the same minimum uninterrupted period of six months prior to your return.
Application Process:
- Complete the Form:
- Fill out the “Application for Importation of a Second-Hand or Used Vehicle” form (IE462).
- Submit Required Documents:
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
- A copy of the foreign motor vehicle registration certificate in your name
- A copy of your South African identity document or passport (page with barcode and details)
- Proof of permanent employment abroad, provided as a typed, signed, and dated letter on company letterhead confirming your full name, and the start and termination dates of your employment. (Note: Salary advices, pay slips, job offers, job contracts, tax returns, and work permits are not accepted as proof of employment.)
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
Conditions:
- Restriction on Disposal:
- The imported vehicle cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years from the date of importation.
Importing Vehicles for Physically Disabled South African Citizens/Nationals
South African citizens or nationals who are physically disabled can import specially designed motor vehicles to meet their personal needs. Here’s what you need to do:
Application Process:
- Complete the Form:
- Fill out the “Application for Importation of a Specially Designed Motor Vehicle” form (IE463).
- Submit Required Documents:
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
- A certificate from a medical practitioner confirming your disability
- A copy of your South African passport or ID (page with barcode and details)
- A copy of the relevant rebate permit
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
- Vehicle Details:
- Provide full details of the vehicle being imported.
Conditions:
- Restriction on Disposal:
- The imported vehicle cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years from the date of importation.
Importing Inherited Vehicles for South African Citizens/Nationals
South African citizens or nationals can import inherited passenger motor vehicles and light delivery vehicles (LDVs) under the following conditions:
Application Process:
- Complete the Form:
- Fill out the “Application for Importation of Inherited Motor Vehicles” form (IE463).
- Submit Required Documents:
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
- A copy of your South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details)
- A copy of the will
- A copy of the deceased’s ID or passport
- A copy of the motor vehicle registration certificate in the deceased’s name
- A copy of the death certificate
- Attach the following to your completed application form:
Conditions:
- Restriction on Disposal:
- The imported vehicle cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years from the date of importation.
Importing Vintage and Collector’s Vehicles for South African Citizens/Nationals
South African citizens or nationals can import vintage passenger vehicles and vehicles considered as collector’s items. Here are the details:
Vintage Vehicles:
- Definition:
- Vintage vehicles are defined as vehicles that are 40 years old or older.
- Application Process:
- Complete the “Application for Importation of Vintage Vehicles” form (IE463).
- Provide full details of the vintage vehicle.
- Attach a copy of your South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details) to the application form.
Collector’s Vehicles:
- Definition and Approval:
- Vehicles considered as collector’s items are not easily defined and must meet international criteria.
- Requests for importation are reviewed with industry experts and the South African Veteran and Vintage Association.
- Application Process:
- Complete the “Application for Importation of Collector’s Vehicles” form (IE463).
- Submit full details of the vehicle.
- Attach a copy of your South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details).
- Provide an affidavit confirming the country from which the vehicle will be imported.
Conditions:
- Restriction on Disposal:
- Imported vehicles cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years from the date of importation.
Importing Racing Cars for South African Citizens/Nationals
South African citizens or nationals can import racing cars under the following conditions:
Eligibility:
- Racing cars can only be imported by a racing driver.
Application Process:
- Submit Required Documents:
- A copy of your international, national, or regional Motorsport South Africa (MSA) competition racing car driver’s license.
- Written confirmation allowing the import permits notification to be forwarded to MSA.
- A copy of your South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details).
- An affidavit confirming the country from which the vehicle will be imported.
Conditions:
- Usage Restrictions:
- Imported racing cars are strictly for circuit or track racing events only.
- These vehicles cannot be registered locally and cannot be used on South African national roads.
- The imported racing vehicle cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years from the date of importation.
Important Notes:
- Commercial and Other Import Restrictions:
- Import permits are not issued for the importation of used or second-hand motor vehicles for commercial resale or purposes outside the defined circumstances.
- Used or second-hand vehicles cannot be sent to South Africa by returning residents before their permanent return.
- All applications are evaluated individually, and ITAC may request additional documentation or information to support applications.
- No import permits will be granted for vehicles sourced from bonded warehouses.
Importing Specially Designed Vehicles for South African Citizens/Nationals
South African citizens or nationals can obtain permits to import specially designed vehicles, such as mobile cranes, if a similar or substitute vehicle is not available locally. Here’s how to proceed:
Eligibility:
- The vehicle must be a type not available or substitutable locally.
Application Process:
- Submit Required Documents:
- Technical Specifications: Provide technical specifications of the specially designed vehicle.
- Application Forms:
- Complete form IE230 if you are a first-time importer.
- Complete form IE461 for companies intending to import specially designed vehicles.
- Submit a SARS VAT registration certificate with form IE230.
Conditions:
- Forms:
- IE230: Required for first-time importers, accompanied by a SARS VAT registration certificate.
- IE461: Required for companies importing specially designed vehicles.
Make sure to gather all necessary technical details and documents to ensure your application is complete and can be processed efficiently.
Importing Used or Second-Hand Buses, Trucks, Taxis, and Coaches
South Africa maintains strict import control measures for used or second-hand buses, trucks, taxis, and coaches to support local manufacturers and uphold safety standards. Here’s an overview:
Local Availability:
- Local Production: Taxis, trucks, buses, and coaches are readily available from local manufacturers.
Import Restrictions:
- No Permits Issued: Permits for importing used or second-hand buses, trucks, taxis, and coaches are generally not issued, except for specific vehicles mentioned in previous sections (a) and (b).
Policy Review:
- Periodic Review: Import policies are periodically reviewed to ensure they align with current industry needs and safety considerations.
New Vehicles:
- New Vehicles Exempt: New passenger vehicles, trucks, taxis, buses, and coaches are not subject to import control measures but are subject to applicable duties.
These measures are designed to support the local vehicle manufacturing industry and maintain high safety standards for vehicles on South African roads.
Importing Used Vehicle Components and Spare Parts
Here’s an overview of the importation regulations and processes for various types of used vehicle components and spare parts:
Used Engines and Gearboxes:
- Import permits are issued based on an importer’s previous year’s allocation, initially at 50%.
- New entrants are issued a maximum amount of R500,000.00 for a six-month period.
- A 15% increase is allowed after each full calendar year of importing.
Used Differentials:
- Permits are issued to bona-fide re-conditioners only.
- Imported differentials must be reconditioned by the importer on their own premises.
Used or Second-Hand Spares for Passenger Vehicles and LDVs:
- Import permits are issued to private individuals for repairing privately owned, accident-damaged vehicles if parts are unavailable locally.
- Documentary proof is required, including the owner’s identity document, vehicle registration certificate, police accident report, and insurance report.
Used or Second-Hand Spares for Heavy Duty Commercial Trucks:
- Permits are issued if similar or suitable substitute parts are unavailable locally.
- Importation of used commercial truck/bus chassis is not permitted.
- Permits are specific to the spare or part mentioned and may not include other components.
General Information:
- Importers are strongly advised to obtain import permits before buying or shipping vehicles or spare parts.
- Permits are typically issued within four to five working days for qualifying applications.
- Application forms are available from the Director of Import and Export Control or can be downloaded from the ITAC website.
- Further information can be obtained by contacting Mr. Marius Collins or Ms. Rene van Vuuren.
- All imported vehicles require a Letter of Authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
Note:
- Left-hand drive vehicles not registered in the Republic before July 23, 2004, may not be registered, licensed, or operated on public roads in South Africa.
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY
CargoMaster International Freight Forwarder Australia
At CargoMaster we strive to deliver cost effective freight forwarding services to business, government and private individuals.
Contact our team today CargoMaster Freight Forwarders Australia will save you too!
[email protected]
1300 767 136
Contact Us Now! … With CargoMaster Freight Forwarders Australia, we can Save you More!
Thank-you for contacting us, we appreciate the opportunity.
If your shipment relates to air freight or less than a container load of sea freight. Please include the weight and dimensions of each piece in your request.
We look forward to working with you, please feel free to call at any time.
TEL: 1300 767 136
|
|