Direct Japanese Imports to South Africa | Quality & Value

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Nexuss Cars – Japanese car exporter
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By partnering with us, you get higher quality at lower total cost than local sourcing. We provide import partners with complete, end-to-end solutions. | Let’s build future together !

Buy 2023 Land Cruiser ZX 4wd from auction

Local Eligibility

Direct imports to SA are strictly for Returning Residents (owned 12+ months) or Immigrants. No general resale imports allowed.

Export Lineup for south africa

Regional Transit Hub

Using Durban to move cars to Zimbabwe, Zambia, or Botswana? Use our Removal in Bond (RIB) service to pay 0% South African duty.

gear box isis

Regulatory Permits

All imports require an ITAC Import Permit and an NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA). These must be obtained before the car leaves Japan.

car import country policy

Port of Entry: Durban

Africa’s busiest car terminal. Includes 3 days of free storage and mandatory biosecurity/quarantine inspections.

The Perfect Match: Japanese Cars for Southern Africa

📊 Realistic Transit Time Table: South Africa

Yokohama → Durban (Primary Hub)

SegmentEstimated TimeNotes
Yokohama → Durban (Sea)24–36 daysDirect sailings average ~28 days; .
Durban Port Clearance5–10 daysIncludes SAPS clearance and SARS customs release.
Durban → Final City (Transport)2–5 daysTransit to Joburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town via car carrier.
Total Estimated Transit Time31–51 daysFastest realistic: ~35–42 days
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+81-903-217-5927

Yokohama → Port Elizabeth (Alternative)

SegmentEstimated TimeNotes
Yokohama → P.E. (Sea)28–40 daysOften the second stop after Durban.
Port Clearance5–7 daysGenerally less congested than Durban.
P.E. → Final City (Transport)2–4 daysLocal delivery within the Eastern Cape.
Total Estimated Transit Time35–51 daysFastest realistic: ~38–45 days

RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the standard and most cost-effective method for this route

Apply for ITAC and NRCS LOA

RoRo or Container to Durban Car Terminal

SARS Declaration: Home Consumption vs. Removal in Bond

Bonded carrier transport to Zimbabwe/Botswana/Zambia borders

For SA locals: Roadworthy test and SAPS clearance

We are a dedicated, expert-led team that specializes in personally managing the global export of Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles. Everything we do is built on a foundation of lasting customer trust, because we know that real success in this business comes from relationships, not just transactions. You’ll always receive honest, competitive pricing with complete transparency from auction to delivery—no hidden fees, and no unexpected charges without your prior approval. We treat every client the way we would want to be treated: with clarity, respect, and integrity at every turn.

Duty & Tax Framework: Choose Your Destination

South Africa has different tax structures for local residents versus regional transit customers.

South African Residents

Local Import (Home Consumption) Best for: Returning residents and immigrants registering the car in SA.

Customs Duty

36% (Reduced to 0% for qualifying 407.04 Rebate).

VAT

15% (Calculated on the marked-up Landed Value).

Ad Valorem

0.75% – 20% (Luxury tax based on engine and value).

Compliance

Requires ITAC Permit and NRCS LOA.

Restriction:

Strictly no imports for general resale.

Regional Transit (The Hub)

Outbound Transit (Bonded Hub) Best for: Clients in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, and Lesotho.

Customs Duty

EXEMPT (0%)

VAT

EXEMPT (0%)

Mechanism

Removal in Bond (RIB) via the Port of Durban.

Requirements

Vehicles must be moved by a licensed bonded carrier.

Storage

3 days free at Durban Car Terminal; Bonded warehouse options available.

Container Vanning & Shipping Service

Meet our Partners

shipping partners

Sedans Vanning in Container

Cars, Trucks, Transport Vans are safely shipped via Containers to land-locked places of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Americas.

Safe Container Vanning

Trucks, Microbuses, Transport Vans are safely shipped via Containers to land-locked places of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Americas.

Before the Car Leaves Japan

To avoid your vehicle being impounded at the Port of Durban, you must complete these three steps in this exact order:

  1. ITAC Permit First: Never ship a car without an issued Import Permit. SARS will not allow “back-dated” permits once the vessel has docked.
  2. NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA): This is the safety “passport” for your vehicle. Expect a processing time of 4–6 weeks and a fee of approximately R300 to R1,800 depending on the model.
  3. Physical Inspection: We provide a pre-shipment report in Japan to verify the chassis and engine numbers match your paperwork perfectly.

Nexuss Pro-Tips for 2026

  1. The 3-Day Clock: The Durban Car Terminal only offers 3 days of free storage. Our clearing agents pre-submit your RIB or Home Consumption documents so you aren’t hit with high daily demurrage fees.
  2. Asbestos Free: Australia isn’t the only one—South Africa has strict prohibitions on asbestos in brake pads and gaskets. We ensure your Japanese export is certified compliant.
  3. Regional Transit Bonds: If transiting to Zimbabwe or Zambia, ensure your agent uses a Licensed Bonded Carrier. Moving a “Bonded” car on its own wheels (driving it) is a violation of SARS Rule 64D and can lead to heavy fines.