Direct Japan Car Imports to South Africa & Durban Transit Hub
Local Eligibility
Direct imports to SA are strictly for Returning Residents (owned 12+ months) or Immigrants. No general resale imports allowed.
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.
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.
Port of Entry: Durban
Africa’s busiest car terminal. Includes 3 days of free storage and mandatory biosecurity/quarantine inspections.
COST CALCULATOR
Calculate FOB Japan cost for a single unit Or multiple units before purchase.
CIF CALCULATOR
Calculate total cost instantly including car price, marine insurance, and shipping freight.
VERIFIED BANKING
Official Mizuho Bank account details for JPY & USD$ international wire transfers.
The Perfect Match: Japanese Cars for Southern Africa
📊 Realistic Transit Time Table: South Africa
Yokohama → Durban (Primary Hub)
| Segment | Estimated Time | Notes |
| Yokohama → Durban (Sea) | 24–36 days | Direct sailings average ~28 days; . |
| Durban Port Clearance | 5–10 days | Includes SAPS clearance and SARS customs release. |
| Durban → Final City (Transport) | 2–5 days | Transit to Joburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town via car carrier. |
| Total Estimated Transit Time | 31–51 days | Fastest realistic: ~35–42 days |
Whatsapp for a secure deal
+81-903-217-5927
Yokohama → Port Elizabeth (Alternative)
| Segment | Estimated Time | Notes |
| Yokohama → P.E. (Sea) | 28–40 days | Often the second stop after Durban. |
| Port Clearance | 5–7 days | Generally less congested than Durban. |
| P.E. → Final City (Transport) | 2–4 days | Local delivery within the Eastern Cape. |
| Total Estimated Transit Time | 35–51 days | Fastest realistic: ~38–45 days |
RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the standard and most cost-effective method for this route
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.
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:
- ITAC Permit First: Never ship a car without an issued Import Permit. SARS will not allow “back-dated” permits once the vessel has docked.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nexuss International Co., Ltd. is a certified Japan-based exporter. Please note our strict operational conditions:
- Japan-Side Only: We manage procurement, JEVIC/JAAI inspections, and shipping inside Japan.
- No Local Agents: We do NOT have offices at your port for clearing or local collections.
- Buyer Liability: Import customs clearing, local duties, and registration are the buyer’s sole responsibility.
Get Wholesale Price
Receive auction sheets and shipping schedules within 24h