Import
into South Africa

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We specialize in a comprehensive range of services tailored to different types of vehicle imports, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for our clients:

• ITAC Import Permits – Required for used vehicles.
• LOA (Letter of Authority) – Required for vehicle registrations and customs duties.
• Temporary Import Permits – For various temporary import reasons. Speak to us for expert guidance.
• Carnet de Passage – Typically used by overlanders traveling in or out of the country; acts as the vehicle’s passport.
• ATA Carnet – Used for the temporary importation of goods and equipment.
• Returning Resident or Immigrant – This complex process has a long list of requirements. It’s best to consult us directly before making commitments.
• Inheritance – Special permits can be issued in these cases.
• Importer & Exporter Code – Depending on what you import or export, you may need a personal code. We can assist you in obtaining this.

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For specific details on each of these points, please contact us directly, as regulations change frequently, and it’s important to keep you personally updated. Permits issued under Rebate Item 460.17/87.03/04.04 are available for vintage and/or internationally collectible motor vehicles that are not imported for conventional domestic daily transportation, classified under tariff heading 87.03.

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Testimonials

Freight Factory has been amazing! From the get-go everything went smooth. Freight Factory is like a one stop shop, they go the extra mile, from collecting and storing our vehicles for our clients. I could not think of a better shipping Company for myself and all my Clients all over the world.
ROAD & RACE

Thanks Maria and congratulations to you and your team for coming through in that challenging time. Here in Eastern Australia we have been also been inundated with unprecedented rain events in recent times - sounds like yours was on a totally different level though. - Vince Pulham
Vince Pulham

I have used “Freight Factory” and in particular Lorraine to successfully take charge of the shipping & importation of my delicate C-Type Jaguar project. This consisted of arranging and advising of the paperwork required as well as following up with local authorities and the handling of the UK transport to the port, containerisation, shipping, clearing and unloading in CT. I highly recommend the services of “Freight Factory” for any similar requirements.
DARRYL SIMPSON

Lorraine and the staff at Freight Factory made the import of my vehicle a breeze. The process of dealing with the shipping company and South African customs would have been a nightmare, but luckily they did it all. Everyone was really helpful from start to finish and even after I received my vehicle they were still on the other side to assist with the registration process etc. I wholeheartedly recommend using Freight Factory for any importing needs. Thanks to Lorraine and everyone else at Freight Factory for making this as painless as possible!
Nico Vermaak

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Rebate item 460.17/87.03/04.04 of Schedule No. 4, Part 2 of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 (Customs and Excise Act) makes provision for a rebate of the full duty on the:

“Importation of motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (excluding commercial vehicles or buses), including station wagons and racing cars classifiable under tariff subheading 87.03, which were manufactured 40 years or more prior to the date of importation, or such motor cars of any age deemed international collector’s vehicles, subject to the issuing of an ITAC import permit (and subject to import control conditions) authorizing the importation of the particular vehicle under such conditions as ITAC may allow by specific rebate permit.”

Vintage and Classic Imports

Handy Info for Importing Vintage and Collectible Vehicles:

• Vintage Passenger Vehicles: Motor vehicles over 20 years old are subject to a 20% customs duty and can only be imported by South African citizens. Vehicles over 40 years old are considered vintage, requiring application form IE463, full vehicle details, and a copy of the applicant’s South African ID or passport, along with an affidavit.
• International Collector’s Vehicles: Defined through consultation with industry experts, including the South African Veteran and Vintage Association. The vehicle must be internationally recognized as a collector’s item. Applicants must submit form IE463, full vehicle details, their South African ID/passport, and an affidavit confirming they will not sell or dispose of the vehicle for two years after import.

Specially Designed Motor Vehicles for Disabled Persons:

South African citizens/nationals may import a specially designed motor vehicle tailored to meet a disabled person’s personal requirements. Application form IE463 and a medical certificate proving disability are required, along with a copy of the applicant’s South African passport or ID and the relevant rebate permit. The imported vehicle may not be disposed of within two years of importation.

Racing Car Imports

Racing Cars:

To import racing cars, South African citizens or nationals who are licensed racing drivers must provide a copy of their Motorsport South Africa (MSA) competition license. The application must include an affidavit with the applicant’s details, vehicle information, and confirmation that the vehicle will not be sold or disposed of for two years after importation. The affidavit must confirm the vehicle’s origin and that it is not sourced from a bonded warehouse. Import permit notifications may be shared with MSA.

Specially Designed Vehicles:

Permits are issued for the importation of specially designed vehicles, such as mobile cranes, if a similar vehicle is not available locally. Technical specifications may be required. Completed application forms IE230 (for first-time importers) and IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import these vehicles. A SARS tax clearance certificate is required with form IE230.

Buses, Trucks, Taxis, and Coaches:

Import permits for used or second-hand taxis, trucks, buses, and coaches are not issued in South Africa to protect local manufacturers and ensure safety. Stringent import control measures are in place, with exceptions as mentioned earlier. However, new vehicles (passenger vehicles, trucks, taxis, buses, and coaches) are not restricted by import control.

Busses, Trucks, Taxi’s and Coaches

Motorcycles:

Since motorcycles are not manufactured locally, import permits for used or second-hand motorcycles are readily issued. For personal imports, individuals must complete Form IE463 and provide full details of the motorcycle, including engine capacity, with a copy of their South African ID or passport. For companies, completed Forms IE230 and IE461 are required.

Engines and Gearboxes:

Import permits for used petrol engines (up to 3,000cc for passenger vehicles and LDVs), used diesel engines (up to 3,500cc), and gearboxes are issued based on 50% of the importer’s previous year’s allocation. First-time importers are allowed a maximum import value of R500,000 for a six-month period, with a 15% increase typically allowed each year.

Differentials:

Import permits for used differentials for passenger vehicles and LDVs are issued only to bona fide reconditioners. All imported differentials must be reconditioned by the importer on their premises. Forms IE230 and IE461 must be submitted, along with a SARS tax clearance certificate and a SAPS Second-hand Goods Act certificate.

Spares for Passenger Vehicles and LDVs:

Import permits for used motor vehicle parts (excluding engines, gearboxes, and differentials) are issued only to individuals for repairing privately owned, accident-damaged vehicles. These parts must not be locally available, and the application requires the owner’s ID, vehicle registration, SAPS accident report, and insurance report.

Spares for Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks:

Import permits for used heavy-duty commercial truck spares are issued only if similar parts are unavailable locally. Importation of used commercial truck/bus chassis is prohibited. Forms IE230 and IE461, along with a SARS tax clearance certificate and a SAPS Second-hand Goods Act certificate, must be submitted.

Abnormal Loads (e.g., Cranes):

Principle Approval from the Department of Transport may be required for manufacturers or importers before committing to the import or manufacture of a vehicle or load. This approval ensures necessary exemptions for public road use. Freight Factory can assist with this process.

Left-Hand Drive Vehicles:

Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be imported but cannot be registered or driven on public roads, except for specific exemptions like museum displays or private track use. Under the National Road Traffic Act – Regulation 200 (2B), an LHD vehicle may only be imported if registered in South Africa in the current owner’s name before January 1, 2000.

General Information:

Individuals or companies planning to import used vehicles or parts are encouraged to apply for an import permit before placing an order or shipping goods to South Africa. If the applicant meets the guidelines and submits the necessary documentation, permits are typically issued within four to five working days. Cases requiring further evaluation may take longer.

If you’re uncertain or find the process daunting, feel free to visit our offices. We’ll guide you through the entire import procedure and provide a tour of our facilities.

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