What is the NRCS Letter of Authority for South Africa?

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications requires a Letter of Authority (LA01) before a used vehicle can be shipped from Japan to South Africa. We assist with this application as part of our full-service import.

How much is import duty on a Japanese car in South Africa?

25% customs duty on CIF (20% for vehicles over 20 years old), plus ad valorem excise duty on a sliding NAAMSA scale, plus 15% VAT. Total burden is typically 40–65% of CIF for non-exempt imports. Returning residents transferring permanent residence may qualify for a full duty and VAT exemption.

Are left-hand-drive Japanese cars allowed in South Africa?

No. LHD vehicles have not been registrable on South African roads since 2004 as a general rule. Pre-2000 LHD vehicles with clean ownership history may apply for exemption, but for practical purposes we source only right-hand-drive stock.

Which port does a Japanese car arrive at for South Africa?

The Port of Durban is the main vehicle-import port for South Africa. Once cleared, we arrange road delivery to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth or wherever you need it.

Cost to import a car from Japan to South Africa

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

South Africa is a right-hand-drive country with a large automotive market, but importing a used Japanese car is more tightly controlled here than in most of its neighbours. Commercial importation of used vehicles is effectively prohibited; individual import permits under the ITAC IE462 scheme are only granted to South African residents returning to the country or to immigrants transferring their permanent residence. That means you must have a qualifying immigration status before any import can proceed — our first step is always to verify eligibility before sourcing anything. For qualifying buyers, the process involves obtaining an NRCS Letter of Authority (LA01) before the car ships from Japan, importing through the Port of Durban, and paying 25% customs duty (reduced to 20% for vehicles over 20 years old), an ad valorem excise duty based on vehicle value, and 15% VAT. Returning residents transferring permanent residence may qualify for a duty and VAT exemption on their personal vehicle. The total tax burden for non-exempt imports typically runs 40–65% of CIF. Our licensed team advises on eligibility, sources the right car, arranges NRCS authority, and manages the Durban clearing and delivery.

Main ports: Port of Durban
Import age rule: 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.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Customs duty 25% of CIF (20% if vehicle is over 20 years old), plus ad valorem excise duty 0.75–20%+ on value (NAAMSA formula), plus VAT 15% on cumulative. Returning residents transferring permanent residence may import duty-free and VAT-exempt. Total tax burden ~40–65% of CIF for non-exempt cases. ITAC permit required — effectively restricts commercial used imports.

Loading calculator…

Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to South Africa

Verify your import eligibility
South Africa only grants used-vehicle import permits (ITAC IE462) to returning South African residents or qualifying immigrants. We confirm your eligibility before any further steps — starting without this wastes time and money.
Obtain NRCS Letter of Authority
Before the car can be shipped from Japan, a Letter of Authority (LA01) from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications must be obtained. We assist with the LA01 application as part of our service.
Auction sourcing in Japan
With our licensed USS auction access, our team finds a right-hand-drive car that meets South African compulsory specifications, reads the auction sheet, and verifies condition before you commit.
Ocean freight to the Port of Durban
The car sails to the Port of Durban, South Africa's main vehicle-import port. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once the booking is confirmed.
SARS customs clearing and duty payment
On arrival our agent handles SARS customs valuation, pays the applicable customs duty (25% or 20% for 20+ year vehicles), ad valorem excise, and 15% VAT, then clears the car. Qualifying returning residents may claim duty and VAT exemption.
Roadworthiness test and delivery
After customs clearance, the car must pass a South African roadworthiness test before registration. We arrange this and deliver the cleared, roadworthy car to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria or your city.

Import duties & taxes in South Africa explained

South Africa's import duty on used passenger cars is 25% of the CIF value, reduced to 20% for vehicles over 20 years old. On top of customs duty, an ad valorem excise duty applies using the NAAMSA formula — the rate scales with the vehicle's CIF value and can range from a nominal 0.75% on modest vehicles to over 20% on more expensive ones. VAT at 15% is then charged on the cumulative value. In total, non-exempt imports typically face a tax burden of 40–65% of CIF. Returning South African residents or qualifying immigrants transferring permanent residence may be eligible for a full duty and VAT exemption on one personal vehicle. Because the ad valorem scale is value-dependent, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for South Africa

Toyota Corolla Axio
A practical right-hand-drive sedan with a 1.5L engine — familiar to South African mechanics, with strong parts availability in Johannesburg and Durban.
See prices
Honda Fit
Compact and fuel-efficient with a low CIF value that keeps the ad valorem excise duty at the lower end of the scale — a smart choice for cost-conscious importers.
See prices
Mazda Demio
Well-finished for its price bracket and a low enough CIF that the ad valorem excise rate stays modest — a good option for qualifying returning residents.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Very affordable at Japan auction, a modest CIF value limits excise exposure, and the Swift is easy to service at any South African workshop.
See prices
Toyota Probox
A tough, low-cost wagon suited to business use in South Africa — the commercial-style body means it can carry more than a sedan while keeping running costs low.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in South Africa

Durban — Delivery within Durban from the port adds roughly $100 for a sedan.
Johannesburg — Delivery from Durban to Johannesburg adds roughly $220 for a sedan.
Pretoria — Delivery from Durban to Pretoria adds roughly $380 for a sedan.
Bloemfontein — Delivery from Durban to Bloemfontein adds roughly $350 for a sedan.
Port Elizabeth — Delivery from Durban to Port Elizabeth adds roughly $460 for a sedan.
Cape Town — Delivery from Durban to Cape Town adds roughly $550 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone import a used car from Japan to South Africa?: No. The ITAC IE462 import permit is only available to South African returning residents or to qualifying immigrants transferring their permanent residence. Commercial used-vehicle imports are effectively prohibited. We verify your eligibility before proceeding.
What is the NRCS Letter of Authority for South Africa?: The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications requires a Letter of Authority (LA01) before a used vehicle can be shipped from Japan to South Africa. We assist with this application as part of our full-service import.
How much is import duty on a Japanese car in South Africa?: 25% customs duty on CIF (20% for vehicles over 20 years old), plus ad valorem excise duty on a sliding NAAMSA scale, plus 15% VAT. Total burden is typically 40–65% of CIF for non-exempt imports. Returning residents transferring permanent residence may qualify for a full duty and VAT exemption.
Are left-hand-drive Japanese cars allowed in South Africa?: No. LHD vehicles have not been registrable on South African roads since 2004 as a general rule. Pre-2000 LHD vehicles with clean ownership history may apply for exemption, but for practical purposes we source only right-hand-drive stock.
Which port does a Japanese car arrive at for South Africa?: The Port of Durban is the main vehicle-import port for South Africa. Once cleared, we arrange road delivery to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth or wherever you need it.