ClickCar
Home/Export Guide/South Africa
Southern Africa

Used Car Import Rules for South Africa

Used-vehicle imports are restricted. Check your eligibility with the destination authority before sourcing or shipping a car from Japan.

Discuss eligibility

South Africa Import Regulations

Used-vehicle imports are restricted here. Do not purchase or arrange shipping until the importer has confirmed a lawful permit or exception.

A used passenger car cannot be treated as an ordinary unrestricted import. South Africa requires an ITAC import permit for second-hand goods and a vehicle letter of authority may also be required.

Check before bidding

Ask the South African importer to confirm ITAC eligibility and the NRCS letter-of-authority pathway before we source a vehicle.

Check the official guidance NRCS Understand import costs
Documents Required
Export deregistration evidence, a commercial invoice and shipping documents are commonly needed. Destination authorities may require additional paperwork. An auction sheet is available only for auction-sourced vehicles.

This is a planning guide, not customs or legal advice. Requirements and shipping schedules can change; confirm them for the exact vehicle before committing to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Africa

Can I import any used Japanese car to South Africa?
Export from Japan does not guarantee import or road registration in South Africa. Check the vehicle's age, specification, approval pathway and the importer's eligibility with the destination authority before bidding.
How long does shipping from Japan to South Africa take?
Transit varies by departure port, shipping method, vessel schedule, transfers and destination clearance. We provide a route-specific estimate when a vehicle and port are known; it is not a guaranteed delivery date.
What is the total landed cost of importing from Japan?
Allow for the vehicle price, our agreed service fee, inland transport, any requested preparation, export documents and ocean freight. Insurance, destination taxes, port charges, inspection and registration may be separate. The written estimate identifies known items and exclusions before you approve a purchase.
Do I need to be present in Japan to buy?
You can send your requirements and approve a vehicle remotely. Available inspection depends on the vehicle and location. The destination importer remains responsible for local customs, approval and registration unless a separate local service is agreed.
How do I pay safely?
Payment instructions, currency, timing and any refund terms are confirmed in the written transaction documents. Verify the beneficiary details through an independent contact channel before sending a transfer; do not rely on a changed email alone.
What documents come with the vehicle?
The document set depends on the vehicle and route. It commonly includes export deregistration evidence, a commercial invoice and a bill of lading. Auction sheets and additional inspection records are supplied when available and agreed for that vehicle.

Other export destinations

KenyaUnited KingdomUnited StatesCanadaAustraliaNew ZealandUnited Arab EmiratesThailandMalaysiaSingaporePhilippinesTaiwanHong KongChina

Confirm eligibility for South Africa first

If you have an applicable import permit or exemption, send its details and the vehicle specification for review before sourcing.

Contact Us