About applying for a permit to import a second-hand or used vehicle

You can only import a second-hand vehicle into South Africa if you have been granted a permit to do so.

The importation of used vehicles is restricted to protect the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry against the disruptive importation of used and second hand vehicles and permits are only issued under specifically defined circumstances.

The importation of used and second-hand motor vehicles is subject to import control measures in terms of Section 6 of the International Trade Administration Act, 71 of 2002.

It is mainly returning South African nationals and immigrants who have permanent residence who are permitted to bring vehicles registered in their names into the country.

Cars that may be imported include racing cars, vintage passenger vehicles, specially designed vehicles and inherited vehicles.

For more information on import guidelines, click here.

What you should do

• Complete Application for importation of a second hand or used vehicle form (IE462)
• Submit the following documents: 
• identity document or passport
• letter from employer confirming permanent employment abroad, reflecting period of employment (salary advices, payslips, job offers, job contracts, tax returns, work permits, etc. are not considered proof of employment)
• a certified copy of the official foreign vehicle registration certificate
• bona fide immigrants must submit a copy of the South African permanent residence certificate, foreign passport (page with photo and details), copy of foreign motor vehicle registration certificate.
• proof of study or research to be concluded where applicable.

Timeframe

It may take up to five days to complete the process once all required documents are received.

How much does it cost

ITAC does not charge any service fees but you will have to pay customs duty at SARS. Customs duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods (set in the schedules to the Customs and Excise Act). For more info on SARS customs duty, visit the SARS website.

Forms to complete

(Forms are provided in PDF format. To open PDF documents, you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on your computer.)

Application for importation of a second hand or used vehicle form (IE462)

Who to contact