What is the age restriction on imported cars in South Africa?

Vehicles should not be older than 25 years in order for them to be imported in South Africa.

Do I need a license from the government to import cars in South Africa

No. There is no requirement for a license by the government. However, you need to obtain an import approval for both the importation of the automobile and the supply of the automobile within the South Africa market.

How much car import tax must I pay when importing a vehicle from Japan to South Africa?

Taxes and duties applied depend upon the country of origin. If the vehicle originates from a country with a free trade agreement with South Africa, such as Japan, then only a 10% tax is charged.

Can I import a Japanese car to South Africa?

Japanese cars can be imported in South Africa through its seaports.

Buy Used Cars for Sale in South Africa

Trouvez la voiture de vos rêves avec SAT.

Recherche avancée

Règlement d'importation

Restriction d'année

Aucune restriction

Port d'expédition

Durban

Délai d'expédition

4 to 6 weeks

(can vary)

Pre-shipment inspection

Afficher plus

Règles et règlements d'importation de voitures d'occasion en South Africa

Age Restriction

Unlike many other countries, South Africa has no age restriction to import cars.

Right and Left-Hand Drive Vehicle

Right-hand drive vehicles can be imported to South Africa. Left-hand drive vehicles which were not registered in RSA before July 2004 may not be registered and operated on the public roads of South Africa.

Inspection

No specific inspection is required on the import of used vehicles. However, in order to import vehicles into South Africa, you will need a letter of authority and an import permit from the South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS).

Import Duties and Taxes on Used Cars in South Africa

Vehicles up to 20 years old are subjected to tax at the rate of 30%
Vehicles older than 20 years are subjected to tax at the rate of 20%
Ad valorem duty tax may also be applied from 0.75 to 20% depending upon the age and value of the vehicle
VAT is charged at the rate of 15%

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in South Africa

Bill of Lading
Original invoice
Import permit
Export certificate
A duly completed form DA304A
Inspection certificate
MOT certificate
DA304A Form (Completed)
Original passport copy
Letter of authenticity

Documents needed for customs clearance and vehicle registration are:

Cancellation Certificate [both in Japanese & in English].

Bill of Lading [Original 1st & 2nd].

Commercial Invoice.

Letter of Authorization [The letter confirming that you are giving legal rights to the clearing agent to act on your behalf].

Identification Document, for example, a Passport.

Step 1:

The documents from 1-3 (Cancellation Certificate, Bill of Lading, and Invoice) mentioned above will be sent to you via DHL. Please prepare the letter of authorization and identification document yourself.

Step 3:

Besides customs clearance, there will also be a process for duty and tax payment, police check for registration, and a roadworthiness check to obtain a number plate. A local clearing agent in South Africa will be helpful for these procedures.

Additional Information

To import a foreign-registered vehicle into South Africa, you need an Import Permit and a Letter of Authority from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). While used vehicles are generally prohibited, exceptions are made for collector’s items, such as classic cars or racing cars (e.g., Nissan GT-R). For more information, please contact the South African Bureau of Standards at https://www.sabs.co.za

Used Cars for Sale in South Africa - SAT Japan

Welcome to SAT Japan, your top destination for high-quality Used Cars for Sale in South Africa. We take pride in offering an extensive selection of reliable, Whether you're looking for a compact car for city driving, a spacious family vehicle, or a powerful SUV, SAT Japan has the perfect car for you

Why Choose SAT Japan?

At SAT Japan, we are dedicated to offering our customers in South Africa with the best car buying experience. Here's why choose us:

Wide Selection of Vehicles: Our inventory includes a variety of Used Cars for Sale in South Africa, ensuring that you'll find the perfect car to suit your needs and budget.
Quality Assurance: Each vehicle undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets our high standards for quality and safety.
Competitive Prices: We offer competitive pricing on all our vehicles, making it easier for you to own a top-quality used car.
Expert Support: Our team of knowledgeable professionals is here to assist you every step of the way, from selecting the right car to arranging shipping to South Africa.

Easy Shipping to South Africa

No matter where you are in the world, SAT Japan ensures a smooth and hassle-free shipping process. We have established partnerships with reliable shipping companies to deliver your vehicle safely and on time. Our team will handle all the necessary documentation and logistics, so you can enjoy your new car without any worries.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

At SAT Japan, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to exceed your expectations by providing exceptional service and high-quality Used Cars for Sale. Don't just take our word for it - read what our satisfied customers in South Africa have to say about their experience with SAT Japan. Browse our inventory of Best Japanese Cars and discover why discerning drivers choose SAT Japan for their Japanese used car needs.

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Avis clients

The interior had a s...

Toyota COASTER

The interior had a small stain on the back seat that was not visible in the photos. Customer support was polite and offered me a discount on my next purchase. Overall, I appreciate how they handled it, that was a positive experience.

Isaac Omondi

May 05, 2025

See Full Review

I had trouble unders...

Mazda CX-8

I had trouble understanding the import process at first, as there was a lot of paperwork. SAT Japan walked me through it and sent detailed guidance and support. Now that it's all done, I'd happily go through it again.

Amos Kipchumba

May 05, 2025

See Full Review

Communication was a ...

Mitsubishi DELICA D2

Communication was a bit slow during the holiday week, which made me nervous. Once things picked up, SAT Japan handled everything professionally. The car I received was clean, reliable, and affordable.

Lawrence Wekesa

May 05, 2025

See Full Review

The radio system was...

Toyota C-HR

The radio system wasn't working correctly when I got the car. SAT Japan told me this was noted in the inspection sheet, which I had missed. Lesson learned to read everything closely, but overall, the car is solid and clean.

Derrick Kiplagat

May 05, 2025

See Full Review

Everything was good ...

Toyota VITZ

Everything was good except the battery was weak when the car arrived.SAT Japan compensated me for a replacement after I shared a receipt. I was really impressed with how they handled the issue and great customer care. Definitely recommended!

Collins Obuya

May 05, 2025

See Full Review

Shipping took a bit ...

Toyota PASSO

Shipping took a bit longer than expected due to customs delays, which stressed me out. But SAT Japan kept in touch and provided all the documents I needed. Once the car arrived, it was in excellent condition and worth the wait.

Eric Njenga

May 05, 2025

See Full Review

The car had a minor ...

Toyota PROBOX VAN

The car had a minor scratch on the back bumper that wasn't clearly shown in the photos. SAT Japan offered a partial refund and apologized for the oversight. I am still happy with the car. Overall, it drives great and was a good deal.

Allan Okello

Apr 23, 2025

See Full Review

I was worried about ...

Toyota HIACE VAN

I was worried about buying a Van online, but SAT Japan made the whole process simple and smooth. They replied to all my questions and even sent detailed photos and reports. The car arrived exactly as defined, and I am super happy with the service!

Victor Ndungu

Apr 23, 2025

See Full Review

I had some concerns ...

Toyota VOXY

I had some concerns about shipping delays, but SAT Japan kept me updated every step of the way. Customer support was really responsive, and the tracking system was reliable. My car arrived earlier than expected and in perfect condition!

Eric Kariuki

Apr 23, 2025

See Full Review

Trouvez la voiture de vos rêves avec SAT.

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Notre siège social

Règlement d'importation

Restriction d'année

Port d'expédition

Délai d'expédition

Pre-shipment inspection

Afficher plus

Règles et règlements d'importation de voitures d'occasion en South Africa

Age Restriction

Right and Left-Hand Drive Vehicle

Inspection

Import Duties and Taxes on Used Cars in South Africa

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in South Africa

Customs Clearance & Registration Process

Documents needed for customs clearance and vehicle registration are:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Additional Information

Used Cars for Sale in South Africa - SAT Japan

Why Choose SAT Japan?

Easy Shipping to South Africa

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Pourquoi choisir SAT

Transparence

Prix abordables

Vaste sélection

Service client inégalé

Avis clients

The interior had a s...

Toyota COASTER

Isaac Omondi

I had trouble unders...

Mazda CX-8

Amos Kipchumba

Communication was a ...

Mitsubishi DELICA D2

Lawrence Wekesa

The radio system was...

Toyota C-HR

Derrick Kiplagat

Everything was good ...

Toyota VITZ

Collins Obuya

Shipping took a bit ...

Toyota PASSO

Eric Njenga

The car had a minor ...

Toyota PROBOX VAN

Allan Okello

I was worried about ...

Toyota HIACE VAN

Victor Ndungu

I had some concerns ...

Toyota VOXY

Eric Kariuki

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