How do you import a car from Japan to South Africa, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
South Africa generally prohibits the permanent import of used cars. ITAC issues permits only to returning residents and immigrants bringing a car registered in their own name, and for vintage (40+ years), inherited, racing and disability-adapted vehicles. Where a permit is granted, SARS charges 25% duty, a 0.75–20% ad valorem excise and 15% VAT, adding about 45–67% to CIF.
Car import duty calculator for South Africa
South Africa is not an open market for used cars from Japan. Under the International Trade Administration Act, the import of used vehicles is controlled, and the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) states that no import permits are issued for used vehicles for commercial or resale purposes. SARS customs systems block the release of a second-hand vehicle that has no ITAC permit. Permits are issued in defined cases: immigrants with permanent residence and returning South African residents bringing a car already registered in their own name, inherited vehicles, vintage cars of 40 years or older and international collector's items, racing cars for track use, and specially designed vehicles for disabled drivers. A car bought at a Japanese auction and shipped straight to South Africa does not fit the returning-resident rule, because the car must have been registered in the importer's name abroad for at least six months before the return. Every imported vehicle also needs a Letter of Authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). Left-hand-drive vehicles not registered in South Africa before 23 July 2004 cannot be registered. Japanese cars are right-hand drive, so steering is not the obstacle; the permit is.
Can you import a used car from Japan to South Africa?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No formal age limit, but vehicles over 20 years pay a reduced customs duty of 20% (vs 25% standard). Used-vehicle imports are effectively restricted: an ITAC import permit (form IE462) is required and is only granted to returning South African residents or immigrants transferring permanent residence. Commercial used imports are prohibited. Port: Durban. Pre-shipment NRCS Letter of Authority (LA01) required before the vehicle is shipped.
- Inspection
- NRCS Letter of Authority (LA01) required before shipping; roadworthiness test on arrival
- Permits
- ITAC import permit (form IE462) required for all used vehicles. Only issued to returning South African residents or immigrants with approved permanent residence — not available to commercial importers or the general public.
- Restrictions
- LHD vehicles are not registrable on South African roads (policy since 23 July 2004 — pre-2000 LHD with clear ownership history may qualify for exemption on application). Commercial import of used cars is effectively prohibited; only personal-use ITAC permits for qualifying residents/immigrants are granted.
- Special rules
- Returning residents or immigrants transferring permanent residence to South Africa may import one vehicle duty-free and VAT-exempt if owned for at least 12 months prior to importation. Vehicle cannot be sold for 2 years after import. Apply through SARS with ITAC permit.
- Entry ports
- Port of Durban
How do you import a car from Japan to South Africa, step by step?
Check whether you qualify for a permit
Only the ITAC categories qualify: returning residents and immigrants with their own registered car, inheritance, vintage or collector vehicles, racing cars and disability-adapted cars. Commercial and resale imports are refused.
Apply to ITAC on form IE462 or IE463
Returning residents and immigrants use IE462 with ID or a permanent residence certificate, the foreign registration certificate and, for returning residents, a letter confirming permanent employment abroad. Vintage, inherited and disability cases use IE463. Clear-cut applications take about four to five working days.
Obtain the NRCS Letter of Authority
Apply to the NRCS before the vehicle is imported, on form LoA1 for a single vehicle. Only the person in whose name the car will be registered may apply, and the letter takes four to six days.
Ship to Durban
Cars from Japan usually arrive at Durban. Returning residents may not send a vehicle ahead before their own permanent return.
Clear customs with SARS
ITAC sends the permit electronically to SARS, and a clearing agent lodges the customs declaration. SARS assesses customs duty, ad valorem excise and VAT.
Obtain police clearance and register
Apply to the registering authority with the eNaTIS form, ID, the foreign registration documents and the NRCS letter. SAPS issues a clearance certificate after the authority's referral, and the car is then registered.
Keep the car for two years
A vehicle imported under an ITAC permit may not be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years of importation.
Documents checklist
- ITAC import permit (form IE462, or IE463 for vintage, inherited or adapted vehicles)
- NRCS Letter of Authority (form LoA1)
- South African ID or passport; permanent residence certificate and foreign passport for immigrants
- Letter confirming permanent employment abroad (returning residents)
- Foreign vehicle registration certificate in the applicant's name
- Bill of lading
- SARS customs declaration lodged by a clearing agent
- eNaTIS registration form (MVR1A or RLV) and SAPS clearance certificate
What import duties and taxes does South Africa charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty | 25% | CIF value |
| Ad Valorem Excise Duty | 0.75%–20% by CIF value | CIF value |
| VAT | 15% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs Duty
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF value.
Ad Valorem Excise Duty
Rate: 0.75% up to US$8,000; 5% up to US$25,000; 10% up to US$45,000; 20% above US$45,000. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Where a permit allows the import, SARS charges three lines. Customs duty is 25% of the CIF value for light passenger vehicles; vehicles over 20 years old pay 20%, which the table does not show. Ad valorem excise follows a statutory formula of (0.00003 × customs value in rand) minus 0.75 percentage points, so the rate rises with value; the table approximates it in US dollar bands of 0.75% up to US$8,000, 5% up to US$25,000, 10% up to US$45,000 and 20% above. VAT of 15% is then charged on CIF plus duty plus excise. Together the lines add about 45% of CIF for a low-value car and up to about 67% for an expensive one. Duty rates are set in the schedules to the Customs and Excise Act, and SARS assesses the taxes in rand.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to South Africa?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durban | RoRo or container | 24–36 | US$1,450 |
ITAC advises obtaining the import permit before buying or shipping a vehicle, and every imported vehicle also needs an NRCS Letter of Authority.
Which Japanese cars are popular in South Africa?
- Models and prices
Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series
Built from 1960 to 1984, so every example is over 40 years old and can be considered under the ITAC vintage rule. Form IE463 and a two-year no-sale affidavit apply.
- Models and prices
Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)
The first-generation Z, built from 1969 to 1978, falls within the 40-year vintage category. Ordinary used cars of recent years do not qualify for a permit.
- Models and prices
Nissan Skyline (C110)
Built from 1972 to 1977, it meets the 40-year vintage age. ITAC may consult the industry or the South African Veteran and Vintage Association on collector cases.
- Models and prices
Toyota Celica (first generation)
Built from 1970 to 1977, so it falls within the vintage category. Like any permit import, it may not be sold for two years.
How much is inland delivery to cities in South Africa?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Durban | US$360 | US$450 | 3 |
| Cape Town | Durban | US$770 | US$960 | 5 |
| Durban | Durban | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Pretoria | Durban | US$380 | US$480 | 3 |
| Port Elizabeth | Durban | US$460 | US$580 | 3 |
| Bloemfontein | Durban | US$350 | US$440 | 3 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Can I import a used car from Japan to South Africa?
- Generally no. Permanent import of used vehicles is prohibited unless ITAC grants a permit, and permits are not issued for commercial or resale imports. They cover returning residents, immigrants, inheritance, vintage and racing cars, and disability-adapted vehicles.
- Who qualifies for an ITAC permit to import a used car?
- Returning residents after at least six months working, studying or researching abroad, and immigrants with permanent residence, each bringing a car registered in their own name. Inherited, vintage, racing and disability-adapted vehicles have separate permit routes.
- Can a returning South African buy a car in Japan and ship it home?
- Only if the car was registered in their name abroad for at least six months before the permanent return. A car bought at auction and shipped straight to South Africa does not meet that condition.
- Can I import a classic Japanese car to South Africa?
- Yes, if it is a vintage vehicle of 40 years or older or an international collector's item. Apply to ITAC on form IE463 with an affidavit that the car will not be sold for two years.
- What is the NRCS Letter of Authority for an imported car?
- A letter from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications that every imported vehicle needs, new or used. It takes about four to six days and is required at registration.
- How much duty is charged on an imported car in South Africa?
- 25% customs duty on CIF, an ad valorem excise of 0.75–20% that rises with value, and 15% VAT. Together they add about 45–67% to the CIF value.
- Can I register a left-hand-drive car in South Africa?
- No, unless it was registered in South Africa before 23 July 2004. Legislation in force from 27 May 2009 bars other left-hand-drive vehicles from registration, licensing and public roads.
- Can I sell a car imported under an ITAC permit?
- Not for two years. A vehicle imported under an ITAC permit may not be sold or otherwise disposed of within two years of importation.
- How long does an ITAC import permit take?
- About four to five working days when the applicant clearly qualifies and the documents are complete. Cases that need evaluation take longer.
Sources
- ITAC — Import control guidelines for used or second-hand vehicles — checked 15 October 2026
- South African Government — Importing a second-hand or used vehicle — checked 15 October 2026
- South African Government — Letter of authority for imported or rebuilt motor vehicle (NRCS) — checked 15 October 2026
- South African Government — Register an imported vehicle — checked 15 October 2026
- Parliamentary Monitoring Group — Minister of Finance reply NW5402 on used vehicle imports — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for South Africa
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.