Import a Car from South Africa to the UK

South Africa is a strong source for right-hand-drive cars — no steering conversion needed. The UK-SACUM Economic Partnership Agreement can zero out duty for South-African-built cars (several BMW, Mercedes, VW, Toyota models), and Transfer of Residence relief removes duty and VAT entirely for qualifying returning residents.

• A South African export permit is required and can take weeks — start it early.
• ToR relief removes duty and VAT for returning residents meeting the 12+6 month rules.
• UK-SACUM preferential duty only applies to SA-origin cars with valid proof of origin.
• Shipping from Durban or Cape Town takes 6-10 weeks.

Do I pay import duty on a car from South Africa?

By default, yes — used cars imported privately from South Africa attract 10% customs duty on the CIF value (price + shipping + insurance), plus 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive total. However, cars manufactured in South Africa (several BMW, Mercedes, VW, and Toyota models are built there) may qualify for 0% preferential duty under the UK-SACUM Economic Partnership Agreement with valid proof of origin, and returning residents can claim full duty and VAT relief under Transfer of Residence (ToR) rules.

Can I bring my car to the UK tax-free when moving from South Africa?

Usually, yes. Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief gives full relief from customs duty and import VAT on a personal vehicle if you are moving your normal home to the UK, have lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months, and have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before the move. You cannot sell or dispose of the vehicle within 12 months of import. Apply for ToR1 approval from HMRC before the car ships.

Do South African cars need an IVA test in the UK?

Only if the car is under 10 years old. Under the '10-year rule', vehicles manufactured more than 10 years ago are exempt from Individual Vehicle Approval — they just need a standard UK MOT (if over 3 years old) before DVLA registration. Cars under 10 years old need a full IVA test (£199), including an mph-reading speedometer.

How long does shipping from South Africa to the UK take?

Roughly 3-6 weeks by sea. RoRo and container sailings run from Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Southampton and Tilbury. Add 2-4 weeks on the South African side for the ITAC export permit, police clearance, and SARS customs formalities before the car can sail.

What documents do I need to export a car from South Africa?

You'll need the vehicle's South African registration certificate (NaTIS/eNaTIS), an ITAC export permit, SARS customs clearance for export, a police clearance certificate confirming the vehicle isn't stolen or financed, and a bill of sale or proof of ownership. If you're claiming Transfer of Residence relief in the UK, you'll also want your ToR1 approval letter from HMRC before shipping.

Do I need to convert the speedometer on a South African import?

South African speedometers read km/h only. If the car is under 10 years old, the speedometer must display mph to pass the IVA test — usually solved with a replacement mph dial face or overlay. Cars over 10 years old aren't legally required to convert, but an mph readout is inexpensive (typically £30-150) and strongly recommended for UK driving.

Primary sources

This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.

• Register a used vehicle for the first time (V55/5 form & V355/5 guidance) — GOV.UK
• Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA, duty, VAT) — GOV.UK
• Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — GOV.UK
• Register an imported vehicle (registration and tax) — GOV.UK

v55-5.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA, HMRC, or any government body.