Import Japanese Cars to South Africa

Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide

RHD country, but used JDM imports are exceptional (returning resident / immigrant / special). Not a parallel-import retail market....

Market access

Restricted / permit

Last verified: August 2026

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Year Rules

Ports

Inspection

Taxes

Documents

Official sources

Year Restriction

Used imports generally prohibited (ITAC permit only)

Shipping Time

8-12 weeks (only if ITAC already approved)

Year Restrictions

Used imports generally prohibited (ITAC permit only)

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 registered in their name for the same period, max 3 vehicles, no disposal for 24 months), immigrants with permanent residence, diplomats, racing/vintage/special vehicles, inheritances. No permits for commercial resale of ordinary used cars.

Destination Port & Shipping Information

Main Destination Port

Durban

Alternative Ports:

Durban
Cape Town
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Durban is the main car port. SARS will not release a used car without an ITAC permit and NRCS Letter of Authority.

Shipping Duration:

8-12 weeks (only if ITAC already approved)

Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines

Preferred Shipping Lines:

NYK
MOL
Hoegh Autoliners
K Line

Inspection Requirements

Inspection is Required

Inspection Type:

NRCS Letter of Authority + SARS/Interpol clearance

Inspection Details:

SARS lists: customs documents, NRCS LoA, ITAC import permit, Interpol clearance certificate. Apply ITAC form IE462 before the car is shipped.

Last verified & official sources

Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.

Official calculator / procedures

Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty

SARS customs duty on the tariff (only after a legal import)

VAT

15% VAT (SARS standard rate on importation — confirm current)

Other Taxes

Ad valorem / CO2 taxes can apply on motor cars. Returning-resident cases still pay SARS unless a rebate item applies.

Treat stacked percentages as a planning range only. Use the official calculator or procedures page or a licensed clearing agent before you bid.

Required Documentation

Required Documents:

ITAC IE462 permit
NRCS Letter of Authority
Interpol clearance
Export Certificate
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Proof of foreign employment / PR as applicable

Documents for Company Importers:

Import License Required: Companies must obtain an import license before importing vehicles.

ITAC does not issue used passenger-car permits for commercial resale. Do not buy a Japan auction car for South Africa retail stock.

Important Notes

Official: South African Government used-vehicle import service; ITAC guidelines https://itac.org.za ; SARS used-vehicle media note requiring ITAC + NRCS LoA + Interpol. https://www.gov.za/services/services-organisations/import/importing-second-hand-or-used-vehicle

Helpful Tips

1) Get ITAC written approval before you buy in Japan. 2) Do not ship “to Durban and sort later”. 3) Vintage 40+ / special vehicles follow different ITAC notes.

Import Regulations Overview

RHD country, but used JDM imports are exceptional (returning resident / immigrant / special). Not a parallel-import retail market.

Step by step: (1) Confirm you fit an ITAC category. (2) NRCS LoA. (3) IE462 permit. (4) Then buy and ship. (5) SARS clearance. (6) Register with the provincial authority.