Export car from UK to South Africa

[VinceW]

HI Johanna, Not going to happen by the looks of it. You need to own the car for 1 year. I was looking to buy it and ship it out. Thanks for all your help

[Johanna]

Originally Posted by VinceW

HI Johanna, Not going to happen by the looks of it. You need to own the car for 1 year. I was looking to buy it and ship it out. Thanks for all your help

I thought that only applied for South Africans?
Anyway, it has been a pleasure, hope you can work something out !

[zambezi.king]

Hi Vince,

In order for you not to pay DUTY you have to own the car for at least 1 year before emmigrating. Even if you somehow get the vehicle in duty free, then you will have to keep it for at least 2 years before you sell it or you will have to pay the duty.

14% VAT will always be applicable.
The SABS homologinisation (sp?) clearence certificate (+- US$ 750) is also payable for any vehicle not manufactured in or for the SA market.

I belong to another website that is purely for offroad / 4x4 activites with over 10 000 members who usually have most of the answers. Try google... 4x4 community

[VinceW]

Originally Posted by Johanna

I thought that only applied for South Africans?
Anyway, it has been a pleasure, hope you can work something out !

Hi Joanna, The link to the web site you posted states the vehicle has to be owned for a year, there is a link from their site to the import form. The form states six months but is dated 2003.

The form mentions that the car has to be built to EU regs which it will be as it is a standard production car. I think it will be too complicated to manage this from the uk. If I was emigrating and could just ship the car and sort it all out from SA then it would be possible. Import tax would have to be paid as neither my GF or I would qualify for the exemption. I new that from what I had previously read

Thanks once again for your help.

Vince

[VinceW]

Are there businesses in SA that import 2nd hand cars from abroad and sell them in SA to customers? Is this possible or against SA import restrictions. As a private individual this does not look possible due to having to own it for at least 6 months prior to import. I wondered if there are different rules for a business? Obviously the cars would be subject to all import taxes.

[zambezi.king]

There are such dealers but you must also note that these vehicles are considered grey imports and some of the dealers will not service or supply parts for them. Reselling them at a later date is also sometimes problematic.

You will find the general consensus is that grey imports are a bit of a pain all-in-all. To illustrate the point we in SA know that we can get a vehicle (grey import) from Namibia, Swaziland, Dubai, Australia, Japan etc for for a massive saving... no-one ever really does this, why?

ps... demurrage is when you have your vehicle cleared but it gets stuck in customs and has problem being cleared/released. This can costs thousands if you are being scammed for a bribe or if there are actually clearing problems.

[VinceW]

Thanks for the replys Zambezi king. Where is the best place to look for 2nd hand cars in SA. I would prefer private rather than a dealer. I have looked on line at autotrader.co.za Where else would you recomend? Which papers are best for small ads?. Are the auctions open to the public or trade only? Thanks Vince

[zambezi.king]

Originally Posted by VinceW

Thanks for the replys Zambezi king. Where is the best place to look for 2nd hand cars in SA. I would prefer private rather than a dealer. I have looked on line at autotrader.co.za Where else would you recomend? Which papers are best for small ads?. Are the auctions open to the public or trade only? Thanks Vince

Best private would be autotrader or junkmail - don't let the title fool you
The AA autobay if it is still running is for private and each car comes with AA inspection.

Google is your friend in this regard.

The autions are open to the public and due to the past year or two of hardship there are many bargains to be had but you take your chances there as with any auctions worldwide.

The website I suggested in a previous post also has a classified section with some excellent, kitted vehicles at good prices. Also the sellers forum reputation is at stake so you are more likely to get a good deal.

Good luck.

[leighwallace4]

hi Johanna, found your comments very useful regarding exporting a UK car to SA.
If you have any advice for me I would great appreciate it. I have been in the UK since 2000, i then moved back to sa in 2010 and came back to the UK 2012 and intend to immigrate again in September 2013 ( hahah! confused yet?!).
I am wanting to bring over a Land Rover Discovery from uk to Cape Town. I have received great quotes and advice re customs but how do you go about licencing the vehicle with the licencing department... besides needing the patience of a saint!

thanks so much!

[Rod Pringle]

Originally Posted by VinceW

We're lookin at coming over in march for about 30 days and visiting Namabia with my GF's cousin. 4X4 hire is working out at about £1300 inc border crossing. I can buy a 1999 4x4 in the uk for under £2000. Works out about £5000 with shipping/import tax etc so should be able to get my money back if we sell it at the end of our trip or keep it for future use. Need a company to sort out the SA end really. Also need to know what paper works required, road worthness tests, vehicle registration etc

Vince

We deal with many expats, and never has a single one imported a car successfully. The hassle and costs really are too much. New cars are more expensive here than UK, but only 20% or so. Remember that cars don't rust as much here, so if well kept also tend to hold their value better.
In passing I wouldn't go to the bush in a twelve-year old 4x4, unless it was a Landy and I had plenty of parts and an excellent tool kit! You certainly don't need a 4x4 to go to most parts of Namibia - very heavy on fuel and an old one will also be uncomfortable, not to say unreliable.