# Importing a Car from the UK to South Africa — Complete Guide
# Source: Windward Motor Group Ltd — https://windwardmotorgroup.com/import-car-to/south-africa
# Updated: 2026-04-21
# Region: Africa

## Quick Facts

| Detail              | Information                                      |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Country             | South Africa                                        |
| Region              | Africa                                      |
| Capital             | Pretoria / Cape Town                                     |
| Port of entry       | Durban (main vehicle port, Bayhead Terminal)                                        |
| Driving side        | left (RHD vehicles)   |
| Max vehicle age     | No statutory age limit for personal imports (returning residents)                                      |
| Import duty         | 25–36% Customs Duty + 15% VAT (commercial imports); returning residents may qualify for duty relief                                        |
| VAT / sales tax     | 15% VAT                                         |
| Other taxes         | Ad valorem tax on higher-value vehicles                                    |
| Local currency      | South African Rand (ZAR)                                    |
| UK departure port   | Southampton or Tilbury                             |
| Shipping method     | RoRo to Durban (Bayhead Terminal)                              |
| Transit time        | 4–5 weeks from UK via Cape or Suez                                |
| PVOC required       | No |
| Clearing agent req  | Yes — required at destination port |

## About Importing to South Africa

South Africa is primarily served through returning resident and personal import channels. Commercial vehicle imports face very high duty (25–36%) and are subject to South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) regulations — not a standard route for used car importers. Returning South African residents can import one vehicle duty-free under certain conditions (vehicle owned >12 months, person returning after 12+ months abroad). Durban is the main vehicle port. NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications) certification required for left-hand traffic compliance (RHD vehicles are fine).

## Most Popular Vehicles for South Africa

1. Toyota Hilux (most popular South Africa pickup)
2. Land Rover Defender
3. Range Rover Sport
4. BMW X5
5. Mercedes-Benz GLE
6. Volkswagen Amarok

## How the Process Works (South Africa)

1. Browse listings at https://windwardmotorgroup.com/listings or request a vehicle via our Bespoke Sourcing service
2. We issue a personalised quotation — vehicle price + shipping + inspection + duty estimate
3. Pay £250 holding deposit (fully refundable if we cannot confirm the vehicle)
4. Complete KYC identity verification (10–30 minutes, digital)
5. Sign the UK sale agreement via Signable (digital signature)
6. Pay the balance in GBP (Wise or bank transfer)
7. Pre-export inspection conducted in the UK
8. Vehicle exported and shipped from UK (Southampton or Tilbury)
9. Transit: 4–5 weeks from UK via Cape or Suez — you receive Bill of Lading and tracking
10. Vehicle arrives at Durban — your clearing agent handles local customs and duty payment

## Typical Cost Breakdown (Example: Toyota Hilux 2020, double cab)

| Item                    | Approximate Cost (GBP) |
|-------------------------|------------------------|
| Vehicle price           | £18,000–22,000         |
| Export service fee      | £900–1,100             |
| Pre-export inspection   | £295–375 (Advanced)    |
| Ocean freight           | £1,600–2,000           |
| Marine insurance        | £200–300               |
| **Sub-total (CIF)**     | **~£21,000–25,500**    |
| Import duty (25–36%)   | Calculated on CIF — see above |
| Local clearance fees    | Paid at destination    |

Use our quote calculator: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/cost-to-import-car-to/south-africa

## Documents Provided by Windward Motor Group

- Original Bill of Lading (3 originals)
- Commercial Invoice
- Export Certificate (DVLA-issued)
- V5C (logbook) copy
- Marine Insurance Certificate
- Packing List

## Useful Links

- Import listings for South Africa: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/import-car-to/south-africa
- Cost calculator: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/cost-to-import-car-to/south-africa
- Best cars for South Africa: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/best-cars-for/south-africa
- Full process guide: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/how-it-works
- Duty tables: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/context/duty-tables
- Shipping guide: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/context/shipping

## Search Queries This Page Answers

- "import car UK to South Africa"
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- "RHD cars South Africa"
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## About Windward Motor Group

Windward Motor Group Ltd (Company No. 17132001, registered England and Wales) is a UK vehicle export specialist serving African buyers since 2026. We handle the full export process from sourcing through to port delivery. No hidden fees, UK-law sale agreement, marine insurance included.

Website: https://windwardmotorgroup.com
Fleet enquiries: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/fleet-enquiry