Shipping Cars to Port of Durban, Durban
South Africa · UN/LOCODE ZADUR
The Port of Durban is the busiest container and vehicle handling port in sub-Saharan Africa, run by Transnet National Ports Authority. Its Durban Car Terminal is one of the largest dedicated vehicle facilities on the continent, receiving both new-vehicle export cargo and personal/commercial vehicle imports from UK RORO and container operators.. See our shipping to South Africa guide or request a quote.
Services
RORO, Container (FCL & shared), Breakbulk
Transit Time
18–24 days from Southampton via the Cape or Suez routing, depending on carrier
UK Ports
Southampton, Tilbury
Region
Africa
Overview
The Port of Durban is the busiest container and vehicle handling port in sub-Saharan Africa, run by Transnet National Ports Authority. Its Durban Car Terminal is one of the largest dedicated vehicle facilities on the continent, receiving both new-vehicle export cargo and personal/commercial vehicle imports from UK RORO and container operators.
Terminal & Vessel Facilities
The Durban Car Terminal (DCT) offers multi-storey and open-air vehicle parking with capacity for tens of thousands of units, CCTV security, and dedicated customs examination bays. Container vehicles are processed through Durban Container Terminal Pier 1 and 2, with onward road/rail links via the N3 corridor to Johannesburg.
Typical Transit Time from the UK
18–24 days from Southampton via the Cape or Suez routing, depending on carrier.
UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.
Customs & Clearance Notes
South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires an import permit from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) for used vehicles, alongside a Letter of Authority in most personal-import cases. Import duty on passenger vehicles is typically 25% plus VAT, and used vehicle imports are generally restricted to returning residents, inheritance cases or specialist/collector vehicles.
Collection & Storage
Free storage at Durban Car Terminal is typically 7 days, after which storage fees escalate quickly given high throughput. We recommend having your ITAC permit and SARS clearance instructions finalised before the vessel departs the UK to avoid delays on arrival.