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Beyond Autos
Flag of South Africa

Southern Africa · Tier 3

Export new cars to South Africa from Dubai

About the South Africa market

Export New Cars For Sale in Dubai From Jebel Ali Free Zone to South Africa

Explore a wide range of brand-new export cars for sale in Dubai. Buy and export new vehicles from Jebel Ali Free Zone quickly, securely, and at the best international prices.

Shipping to South Africa

Primary port

Durban

Transit time

~18–25 days

Import regulations

South Africa applies a 25 percent ad valorem duty on light vehicles, a rate that Trade.gov confirms will remain in effect through 2035. This duty is calculated on the free-on-board price from the country of export—in this case, your FOB value from Dubai. Beyond the base tariff, you will owe 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) on nearly all imports, though VAT may be exempted for registered traders importing goods for resale or manufacturing use.

Duty calculation and trade agreements

South Africa is part of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and applies MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates to most third-country imports. The dutiable value follows the WTO Customs Valuation Code and is based on your transaction price—the price paid or payable for the vehicle. If you are a registered dealer or fleet operator importing for resale or commercial use, you may be eligible for VAT relief; this depends on your registration status with South African tax authorities.

Documentation and compliance

All imports require a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Your vehicle must also come with a chassis and VIN certificate. South Africa does not impose an age limit on brand-new vehicles, so your new car from Jebel Ali Free Zone qualifies without age-related barriers. However, you should verify current duty rates and any applicable rebates by consulting the South African Revenue Service (SARS) tariff database or the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) website, as tariff schedules can be complex and specific exemptions may apply based on vehicle specifications, engine size, or buyer category.

Verify with the destination's customs authority before shipping — duty rates vary by engine size, fuel type, and buyer category.

Key points

  • Import duty on light vehicles is 25 percent ad valorem, calculated on FOB price, through 2035 per Trade.gov
  • VAT at 15 percent applies to nearly all imports; registered dealers and fleet operators may claim exemption for resale or manufacturing use
  • Dutiable value follows WTO Customs Valuation Code, based on transaction price paid or payable
  • No age limit applies to brand-new vehicles; all vehicles from JAFZA qualify for import without age-related restrictions
  • Consult SARS tariff database and ITAC website to verify rates and potential duty rebates before shipment

Documents you'll need

  • Bill of Lading
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Chassis and VIN Certificate
  • Import Declaration (Customs Form IMP01) — Completed at port of entry
  • South African Revenue Service (SARS) Import Permit — If required based on vehicle specifications
  • Proof of VAT Registration or Exemption Claim — If claiming VAT exemption as registered trader
  • Vehicle Specification Sheet — Detailing engine size, fuel type, and technical compliance
  • Insurance Certificate — Coverage from FOB point through destination
Updated June 30, 2026 · Verify with the destination's customs authority before shipping — duty rates vary by engine size, fuel type, and buyer category.
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