Ship Car to Johannesburg with Trusted International Experts

Car Shipping Johannesburg

When you move to the scenic State of Johannesburg in South Africa, you may want to import your car so you can drive to work or go for a night out with coworkers or friends. Hiring a car can be very expensive financially, and you will find that you can save money when you have your vehicle shipped overseas to Johannesburg. Johannesburg, which residents also call Jozi, has the most decadent weather of any State in South Africa. Remember that seasons in Johannesburg are opposite to those in the U.S. The warmer months are the ones that are typically winter in the U.S. The roads are well-developed throughout the area, and there is an abundance of man-made forestry to enjoy while traveling.

You’ll want an auto relocating agency in the United States to ship your car to Johannesburg. The company can arrange to pick up your vehicle in the U.S. and deliver it to the port for you. They can also pick up the car in Johannesburg if you cannot personally drive it to your destination. You must give the hauling agent specific paperwork and documents before your car can be shipped overseas. The legal documents will include your driver’s license, social security number, insurance paperwork, and a signed Power of Attorney form. Your agent will discuss in detail any other necessary paperwork or specifics concerning your car shipment and thoroughly review the cost of moving and other information you must know.

Understanding South Africa's Import Restrictions

South Africa enforces strict regulations on vehicle imports to protect its local automotive industry. Generally, importing used vehicles is prohibited unless specific conditions are met. Eligible importers include returning residents and immigrants with permanent residence status who have owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least six months. The car must not be sold or disposed of within two years of importation. It's crucial to verify eligibility and obtain the necessary permits before initiating the shipping process to Johannesburg.

Navigating Customs Clearance in Johannesburg

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, your vehicle must undergo customs clearance, a process that typically takes 1–3 days but can extend due to documentation issues or inspections. Essential documents include the Bill of Lading, proof of ownership, and a completed Single Administrative Document (SAD). Engaging a reputable customs clearance agent can streamline this process, ensuring compliance with South African regulations and facilitating a smoother transition of your vehicle through customs.

Cost & Time Examples For Moving a Vehicle to Johannesburg

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

Total Cost of Shipping Your Car to Johannesburg

When planning to ship your car to Johannesburg, it's essential to consider all associated costs beyond just the shipping fee. These may include import duties, value-added tax (VAT), customs clearance fees, and potential modifications to meet South African roadworthiness standards. Import duties can be substantial, often exceeding 40% of the car’s value, depending on the vehicle type and engine size. Additionally, VAT is charged at a standard rate of 15%. To avoid unexpected expenses, consult with an import specialist to understand these costs and ensure your budget is comprehensive.

Preparing Your Vehicle for South African Road Compliance

Before your car can be driven in Johannesburg, it must comply with South African road safety and environmental standards. This process includes obtaining a roadworthy certificate from a registered testing center, which assesses the vehicle's condition and ensures it meets local regulations. Modifications may be required to align with South Africa’s environmental and safety standards. It's advisable to address any mechanical issues and perform necessary maintenance before shipment to prevent problems during transit and facilitate a smoother registration process upon arrival.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to relocate a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Vehicle Regulations for Importing

You must adhere to many motor vehicle regulations when importing your car to Johannesburg. Right-hand drive cars only are allowed to be imported to Johannesburg. Each person is allowed to import only one car per individual or family. You must get a Special Import Permit from the South African Embassy while the vehicle is still in the United States before importation. If you immigrate to Johannesburg, you cannot sell the car for at least two years once it is in Johannesburg. If you are a resident who may be returning to Johannesburg, you must pay complete import duties and taxes to customs. Temporary residents must pay complete import duties and taxes and have a valid temporary import permit. Foreign Diplomats do not pay import duties or taxes but must provide a Diplomatic Certificate.

For more information on import and customs regulations for Johannesburg, South Africa, you can contact the South African Embassy in Washington, DC.

Documents that are required

You must provide certain documents to customs when your vehicle reaches Johannesburg. The required documents are:

• Temporary License
• Passport
• Bill of Sale
• Import Permit
• Original Vehicle Registration
• Car Title
• Forms D.A. 304A and P1.160 (three copies of each)

How can I ship to Johannesburg?

Once you have hired the shifting company, your agent will thoroughly explain all shipping information and the different types of available shipping from the U.S. to Johannesburg. Your choices will likely be Roro, Container, or Air Shipping to transport to Johannesburg. RORO Shipping lets your car be rolled directly onto the cargo ship and then tightly tethered onto the cargo dock for shipping. When the boat gets to the port in Johannesburg, the car is rolled off the ship, and you can drive it through the customs check area. Roro is the most utilized way to move vehicles overseas. Container shifting makes it possible to relocate items other than your car when moving overseas. It’s a little bit more expensive than shifting by Roro but is nice to use when you need to relocate and need your household ultimately moved along with your car. Air hauling is also available for those who need to ship a classic or luxury car or may need their car in a more rapid amount of time. Relocating by air is the fastest way to ship internationally. Your agent will discuss the variables in each type of shifting and will be able to provide you with a detailed quote showing the total cost of relocating your vehicle to Johannesburg from the United States.

You can contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency for more information on relocating abroad, export and import laws and regulations worldwide, and important documents and safety tips for traveling internationally.