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Importing cars from Japan to South Africa may be a bit tricky if you overlook or don’t follow the import rules and regulations set by the government. These rules are set in place for an orderly importation process and to control the kinds of vehicles that are allowed to be driven on the country’s roads. Therefore, buyers are advised to know whether they may import, what can be imported, and what the required documents are prior to making any action towards vehicle importation. Am I qualified to import? If you are a South African national holding permanent residency status, then you are qualified to bring in vehicles from abroad. If you are a returning resident, you are also allowed to import, provided that you will have to pay the full duties and applicable taxes. This is the rule unless you can convince the South African Customs that you had no intention of returning to the country when you originally left. If you are an immigrant, you may also have motor vehicles shipped to the country provided that you have been granted permanent residency status by the country’s Department of Home Affairs. There are also cases where persons with disabilities or those with special needs may find it necessary to import specially-designed vehicles not locally available to help in their mobility. They are also qualified to import cars from Japan to South Africa if they send a request supported by a medical certificate issued by a doctor stating the need for such vehicle. If you are living in South Africa temporarily, you would have to pay a provisional payment that would cover full duties and taxes, and after every six months, you have to request for an extension. Don’t worry because the provisional payment will be refunded to you after your vehicle leaves the country, or when you have been granted permanent residency status. What can I import? 1) Inherited cars. If you are the official heir to a vehicle, you may have the inherited car shipped to the country as long as you submit a copy of the deceased’s will, a copy of the death certificate, a copy of the original certificate of registration, your passport or any valid ID, and a copy of the deceased’s passport or ID. 2) Vintage cars and Collector’s cars. Import cars from Japan to South Africa that are over forty years old and have been classified as vintage are allowed, as well as those that have been recognized by international organizations and automotive experts to be collector’s models, may be imported. High-performance cars fall within this category. 3) Racing cars. Professional racecar drivers may bring in their vehicles provided they support their import request with a copy of their competition racing car driver’s license, and that the cars will be used for circuit or track racing competitions in South Africa. What are the documents needed? Importers should accomplish an Import Permit from the International Trade Administration Commission, a Letter of Authority from the South African Bureau of Standards, your invoices (as purchase documentation), and insurance certification. For more detailed information on the process of importing cars from Japan to South Africa, visit the website of the International Trade Administration Commission.
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