Import

Our Imports team at Freight Factory have successfully imported all manner of vehicles, parts and commercial cargo for the various reasons our clients require. This is a complicated process right from the initial idea of importation. Allow us to manage the import process and take care of the endless details required to successfully import your goods.

To get started immediately, please click here for the imports enquiry form.

We specialize in the following services for the various type of vehicle imports:

  • ITAC Import Permits – required for USED vehicles.
  • LOA – The Letter of Authority which is required for vehicle registrations and the customs duties payable.
  • Temporary Import Permits – multiple reasons why one would import a vehicle under this manner. Speak to us for the know how.
  • Carnet de Passage – most typical for Overlanders travelling in or out of our country and acts as the vehicles passport.
  • ATA Carnet – used for the temporary importation of goods and equipment.
  • Returning Resident or Immigrant – this is a very complex import with long list of requirements to get it right. Best to speak to us direct before becoming too committed.
  • Inheritance – special permits can be issued for this.
  • Importers & Exporters Code – depending on what you import / export, you may need your own personal code. We can assist you obtaining this.

FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS ON EACH OF THESE POINTS, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECT – RULINGS CHANGE RATHER OFTEN SO ITS IMPORTANT WE KEEP YOU UP TO DATE PERSONALLY.

PERMITS ISSUED UNDER REBATE ITEM 460.17/87.03/04.04 FOR VINTAGE AND/OR INTERNATIONALLY COLLECTABLE MOTOR VEHICLES NOT IMPORTED FOR CONVENTIONAL/DOMESTIC DAILY TRANSPORTATION USE OR PURPOSES CLASSIFIABLE UNDER TARIFF HEADING 87.03

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 which is determined to be an international collector’s vehicle and subject to the issuing of the an ITAC import permit (and subject to import control conditions) authorising the importation of the particular vehicle under such conditions as ITAC may allow by specific rebate permit.”

HANDY INFO FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF VEHICLES / GOODS

Vintage and collector`s passenger vehicles.

Motor cars more than 20 years old are subject to 20% customs duty.

Import will only be issued to South African citizens/nationals for the importation of passenger vintage vehicles and vehicles that are regarded as international collectors’ items.

Vintage vehicles can be described as vehicles of 40 years old or older. Application form IE463 must be completed. Full details of the vintage vehicle must be provided and a copy of the applicant’s South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details) must be attached to the application form. An affidavit must also be provided.

Vehicles regarded as international collector’s items are not so easy to define. All requests for the importation of such vehicles are, inter alia, discussed with the industry and/or the South African Veteran and Vintage Association, which organisation complies with international criteria. Vehicles regarded as collector’s items must be considered collector’s items internationally. Application form IE463 must be completed, full details of the vehicle must be submitted and the applicant must also attach a copy of his/her South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details).

An affidavit containing his/her name and physical address, the vehicle details, confirmation that he/she will not sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle for two years after importation into SA, confirmation where (which country) the vehicle will be imported from and that it is not sourced from a bonded warehouse must also be provided. The imported vehicle may not be disposed of within a period of two years from the date of importation.

Specially designed motor vehicles for disabled persons

South African citizens/nationals to import a specially designed motor vehicle which will suit the disabled person’s personal requirements. Application form IE463 must be completed and proof in the form of a certificate, issued by a medical practitioner that the applicant is in fact disabled is required. A copy of the applicant’s South African passport or ID (page with barcode and details) and a copy of the relevant rebate permit must also be attached. Full details of the vehicle must be submitted and the imported vehicle may not be disposed of within a period of two years from the date of importation.

Racing cars

South African citizens/nationals for the importation of racing cars: Racing cars may be imported by a racing driver. The proposed importer must submit a copy of his/her international, national or regional Motorsport South Africa (MSA) competition racing car driver’s license.  An affidavit containing his/her name and physical address, the vehicle details, confirmation that he/she will not sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle for two years after importation into SA, confirmation where (which country) the vehicle will be imported from and that it is not sourced from a bonded warehouse and confirmation that a copy of the import permit notification may be forwarded to MSA must also be provided. A copy of his/her South African identification document or passport (page with barcode and details) must also accompany the application.

Racing vehicles to be imported are those to be used for circuit or track racing events only. Imported racing vehicles may not be registered locally and may not be used on SA national roads. The imported racing vehicle may not be disposed of for a period of two years from the date of importation.

Specially designed vehicles

Permits are issued for the importation of specially designed vehicles, for instance mobile cranes and similar vehicles if the particular type of vehicle or a similar/substitute vehicle is not available locally. Technical specifications of the specially designed vehicle may be required for consideration of the application. Duly completed application forms IE230 (for first time importers) and form IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import specially designed vehicles. (Note that a SARS tax clearance certificate is required on completion of form IE230.)

Buses, trucks, taxis and coaches

Taxis, trucks, buses and coaches are available from local manufacturers. Import duties are not a suitable method of supporting local manufacturers and guarding against the disruptive importation of the above-mentioned used or second-hand vehicles, as well as supporting safety considerations. Stringent import control measures are, therefore, maintained and no permits are issued for the importation of used or second-hand vehicles other than for vehicles mentioned in (a) and (b) above. The existing policies are reviewed from time to time.

New vehicles (passenger vehicles), trucks, taxis, buses and coaches are not subject to import control measures. The applicable duties are however payable.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are not manufactured locally and import permits for the importation of used or second-hand motorcycles are issued freely. For personal or private imports form IE463 must be completed with full details of the motorcycle, including the engine capacity. A copy of the applicant’s South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details) must be attached. Duly completed application forms IE230 (for first time importers) and form IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import used or second-hand motorcycles for commercial purposes. Imported used or second-hand motorcycles may be sold or disposed of after importation without restriction. The importation of new motorcycles is not subject to ITAC import control measures.

Engine and gearboxes

Import permits for the importation of used petrol engines for passenger vehicles and LDVs of an engine capacity not exceeding 3 000 cc, used diesel engines for passenger vehicles and LDV’S of an engine capacity not exceeding 3 500 cc and gearboxes for passenger vehicles and LDV’S, are issued to a value of 50% of an importer’s previous years allocation as an initial issue for the current year. Duly completed application forms IE230 (for first time importers) and form IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import the above-mentioned engines and gearboxes. (Note that a copy of the applicant SARS tax clearance certificate and a copy of the SAPS Second-hand Goods Act certificate are required on completion of form IE230.) New entrants or first time importers of used engines and gearboxes are issued a maximum amount of R500 000.00, in total, for proposed engine and gearbox imports, for a six month period, covering January to June and then July to December of a calendar year. A 15% increase is normally allowed after each full calendar year of importing.

Differentials

Import permits for the importation of used differentials for passenger vehicles and LDVs are issued to bona-fide re-conditioners only. All imported differentials must be reconditioned prior to resale or use, by the importer on his own premises and with his own reconditioning equipment. Duly completed application forms IE230 (for first time importers) and form IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import the above-mentioned differentials. (Note that a copy of the applicant SARS tax clearance certificate and a copy of the SAPS Second-hand Goods Act certificate are required on completion of form IE230.)

Spares for passenger vehicles and LDVs

Import permits for the importation of used or second hand motor vehicle mechanical and body parts (excluding engines, gearboxes and differentials referred to above) are issued to private individuals only for repair of privately owned, accident damaged vehicles on condition that such parts are not available from local sources and on receipt of documentary proof which includes the owner’s identity document, motor vehicle registration certificate, South African Police Service’s accident report and insurance report. Application form IE463 must be completed for all spares and parts required for the repair of the vehicle, and must be submitted together with a copy of the applicant’s South African ID or passport (page with barcode and details), and the required documentation as indicated above.

Spares for heavy duty commercial trucks

Import permits for the importation of used or second-hand heavy duty commercial truck spares and parts are issued on condition that similar or suitable substitute spares or parts are not available from local sources or suppliers. The importation of used or second-hand commercial truck/bus chassis is not allowed. Import permits for the importation of used parts such as diesel engines, gearboxes and differentials for commercial trucks are issued for the importation of that particular spare or part only, and may not include any other mechanical or body parts/components which are not integral parts of the spare or part mentioned in the permit. Duly completed application forms IE230 (for first time importers) and form IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import the above-mentioned used or second-hand commercial truck spares or parts. (Note that a copy of the applicant SARS tax clearance certificate and a copy of the SAPS Second-hand Goods Act certificate are required on completion of form IE230.)

Abnormal Loads (eg. Cranes)

A Principle Approval may be required by the Department of Transport. This is required from a manufacturer or importer of a vehicle (or load) prior to commitment to import or manufacture in order to obtain assurance that the vehicle (or load) would be granted exemptions to travel on a public road in future may be required from the Department of Transport. Freight Factory can assist with the application.

Left Hand Drive Vehicles :

A LHD vehicle may be imported into South Africa, but cannot be registered and driven on the public roads in South Africa. For example, if the vehicle is classed as a museum piece for display purposes or for use on non-public roads such as race track, it may be imported but not driven on SA roads. There are, however, special exemptions for LHD’s in certain instances based on various criteria. We suggest that you don’t purchase or ship your vehicle until you are certain you qualify and receive approval. This is a lengthy process and approvals are few and far between.

IN TERMS OF NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACT- REGULATION 200 (2B) A LEFT HAND DRIVE VEHICLE MAY ONLY BE LEGALLY IMPORTED & OPERATED ON A SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC ROAD IF IT WAS REGISTERED IN THE REPUBLIC IN THE REGISTERED OWNERS OR IMPORTERS NAME BEFORE 1st JANUARY 2000. A LOA WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNLESS SATISFACTORY PROOF OF OWNERSHIP IS SUPPLIED.

General information

Persons/firms that wish to or intend importing a used or second-hand vehicle and/or used or second-hand spares and parts described in sections (a) through (h) are strongly advised, before placing an order or buying/shipping a vehicle or vehicle spares/parts to South Africa, to first apply for and obtain an import permit. In cases where the applicant clearly qualifies in terms of the above guidelines, and the correct documentation is submitted, permits are issued within an average of four to five working days. In other cases where the merits of the specific application have to be evaluated, it takes longer, depending on the nature of the particular case.

If you are still in doubt and the thought of importing into South African remains daunting, pop into our offices where we will be happy to take you through the entire process and give you a tour of our facilities.