🇿🇦

Export Cars
to South Africa

UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to South Africa for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.

Request Export Quote

Exporting to South Africa

South Africa is a sophisticated vehicle import market with established shipping routes from the UK. Right-hand drive UK vehicles are well suited to South African roads and the country has a highly developed automotive import infrastructure.

UK Car Source provides complete export services to South Africa including documentation support, NRCS compliance guidance and sea freight coordination through Durban and Cape Town.

Import Rules

Drive ConfigurationRight-hand drive required.
Vehicle Age LimitNo strict national age limit, however NRCS homologation may be required for certain vehicles.
ConditionRoadworthy condition. NRCS approval may be required.
Customs AuthoritySouth African Revenue Service (SARS)
Duty & VATCustoms duty and VAT (15%) applicable on CIF value. Rate varies by vehicle type.
StandardsVehicles must comply with South African National Standards (SANS). NRCS letter of authority may be required.

Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.

Major Ports

Durban — Primary vehicle import port and largest container terminal in Africa.
Cape Town — Major secondary port on the Western Cape.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) — Additional vehicle handling port on the Eastern Cape.

Shipping Options

RoRo Shipping

Roll-on Roll-off service. Cost-effective for most passenger vehicles and SUVs.

Container Shipping

Dedicated or shared container. Recommended for prestige and high-value vehicles.

Air Freight

Available on special request for time-critical or high-value shipments.

Inland / Transit Routing

For landlocked destinations — coordinated road transport from transit ports.

Required Documentation

UK V5C Registration Certificate (original)
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (where required)
Insurance Certificate
Import Permit / Customs Entry Form (at destination)
Copy of buyer's passport / identification

Estimated Timelines

1

Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation

1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability

2

Documentation & Export Clearance

3–7 working days

3

Sea Freight Transit

16–22 days sea freight

4

Customs Clearance at Destination

3–10 working days depending on port and documentation

5

Total Estimated Process

6–12 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)

Ready to Export?

Export a Vehicle to South Africa

Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.

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