Japanese used cars for South Africa

Not an open JDM retail market. ITAC permit first — then Durban.

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South Africa is RHD, but commercial import of used passenger cars is not an open market. ITAC issues used-vehicle permits only in defined cases: returning residents (typically 6+ months abroad, vehicle in their name for the same period, max 3 vehicles, no disposal for 24 months), immigrants with permanent residence, diplomats, racing/vintage/special vehicles, and inheritances. No permits for commercial resale of ordinary used cars.

KMC JAPAN will not ship a Japan auction car to Durban on speculation. Get ITAC written approval and an NRCS Letter of Authority first. SARS will not release the unit without them.

ITAC

Used-vehicle permit required

8-12

Typical weeks only after ITAC approval

NRCS

Letter of Authority before SARS release

South Africa import rules. Year rule: Used imports generally prohibited (ITAC permit only). Confirm inspection, taxes, and documents before you bid.

Open regulation page

How we export to South Africa

Commercial sequence — legal detail stays on the regulation page.

Confirm you fit an ITAC category

NRCS LoA

IE462 permit

Then buy and ship

SARS clearance

Importing to South Africa - Quick Overview

Shipping

From Japan to Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Request a quote

Rate depends on the unit and sailing — not a flat Africa-style figure

Duration

Typical Japan-to-registration window

8-12 weeks (only if ITAC already approved)

Confirm current sailing

Expert Support

Full import assistance

Permit before purchase

We treat South Africa as exceptional (returning resident / immigrant / special), not as a parallel-import stock market.

RHD sourcing

Japanese domestic (JDM) right-hand-drive cars matched to left-hand-traffic roads.

Pre-export checks

Auction sheet review plus the inspection your destination actually requires.

Port routing

Durban is the main car port; Cape Town and Gqeberha are alternatives.

ITAC before sailing

IE462 permit, NRCS LoA, and Interpol clearance — not “sort it at SARS”.

Shipping to South Africa

Do not book RoRo until ITAC IE462 and NRCS LoA exist. Durban is the usual Japan car port. Budget 8–12 weeks after approval, including SARS. Returning-resident cases still pay SARS unless a rebate item applies.

Main Ports

Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Popular Models

Most requested Japanese vehicles for this market

Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Hilux Nissan Patrol Toyota Prado — only if an ITAC category applies

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Available Inventory

Japanese stock that can be exported to South Africa

30 Available

Honda INSIGHT HYBRID

2009 114,000 km

Price $1,602

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26 Available

Toyota AQUA HYBRID

2013 133,000 km

Price $2,242

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28 Available

Toyota Prius S Hybrid

2010 138,000 km

Price $2,300

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19 Available

Daihatsu Mira e:S L “SA”

2013 118,000 km

Price $1,019

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28 Available

Daihatsu Mira e:S L “SA”

2016 124,000 km

Price $1,025

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35 Available

Honda ZEST SPARK W

2009 136,401 km

Price $570

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Frequently asked questions

Used imports generally prohibited (ITAC permit only). Confirm the current rule with the named authority before you bid.

SARS customs duty on the tariff (only after a legal import) 15% VAT (SARS standard rate on importation — confirm current) This is a planning note, not a quote.

NRCS Letter of Authority + SARS/Interpol clearance. A Japan auction grade does not replace the destination inspection.

Main discharge is Durban. Typical window: 8-12 weeks (only if ITAC already approved). Confirm the current sailing before you buy.