South Africa → United Kingdom
Importing a Car to the UK from South Africa
Import a car from South Africa to the UK: RoRo or container from Durban, Cape Town or Port Elizabeth, 10% duty and 20% VAT or ToR relief, NOVA and DVLA registration.
Importing from South Africa: Overview
Quick answer: deregister the car with eNaTIS, obtain SARS export clearance and a police clearance, ship RoRo or container from Durban, Cape Town or Port Elizabeth to Southampton (3–4 weeks), pay 10% duty and 20% VAT or claim Transfer of Residence relief, file NOVA and register with the DVLA.
South Africa drives on the left, so SA cars are right-hand drive and need no steering conversion. Returning expats often bring a car they own under ToR relief, and enthusiasts import rust-free classics and South-African-only models such as the BMW 333i and 325iS or the Ford Sierra XR8.
The Import Process Step by Step
1. Purchase & Checks
We confirm ownership, finance status and the build date of the vehicle in South Africa, and check whether it qualifies for Transfer of Residence or historic-vehicle relief.
2. Export from South Africa
The seller or our agent completes local export deregistration and delivers the car to Durban, Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.
3. Ocean Freight
The car sails by RoRo or container to Southampton, Tilbury or Felixstowe. Typical transit is 3–4 weeks.
4. UK Customs Clearance
We submit the import declaration on CDS and settle duty and VAT (or claim relief) so the car can leave the port.
5. NOVA Notification
HMRC is notified through NOVA within 14 days of arrival, which DVLA needs before registration.
6. Approval & DVLA Registration
IVA, Mutual Recognition or historic-vehicle evidence as needed, then first registration on UK plates using form V55/5.
UK Rules & Compliance
Cars imported to the UK from outside the UK pay 10% customs duty and 20% import VAT on the customs value (price plus freight and insurance). Vehicles over 30 years old, unmodified and no longer in production can qualify as historic: 0% duty and 5% VAT. If you are moving to the UK and have owned and used the car abroad for at least 6 months, Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can remove both duty and VAT. South African cars need a SAPS police clearance (for export) and SARS customs export entry before loading.
Documents You Will Need
- eNaTIS registration certificate and SAPS police clearance
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale
- Bill of lading
- Passport and proof of UK address
- HMRC NOVA confirmation
- C88 import entry and duty/VAT payment, or ToR1 relief approval
- IVA / Mutual Recognition certificate, or Certificate of Conformity
- MOT certificate once registered, if over 3 years old
Transit Times & Costs
About 3–4 weeks at sea from Cape Town or Durban, plus 1–2 weeks for UK clearance and registration.
RoRo from Durban or Cape Town to the UK typically costs £1,100–£1,600; container shipping is £1,800–£2,800. Add duty and VAT unless ToR relief applies, plus NOVA and registration fees.
South Africa to UK Import FAQs
Is a South African car right-hand drive?
Yes. South Africa drives on the left, so the car is RHD and suits UK roads without conversion.
Can I import my car tax-free when moving back to the UK?
Yes if you qualify for Transfer of Residence: you must have lived outside the UK for 12 months and owned and used the car for at least 6 months.
Does it need an IVA test?
Cars under 10 years old usually need IVA or Mutual Recognition; older cars can register with an MOT and evidence of age.