Ever considered importing an American – or European, for that matter – dream car? Well, stringent laws covering used-car imports could burst your bubble.
Most car fanatics have spent time on the web, drooling over used-car bargains in, say, America, where punters are spoilt for choice and at seemingly bargain prices. And they’ve no doubt dreamed about bringing such a car to South Africa and having it parked on their front lawn, the envy of their neighbours.
Well, think again, because DTI regulations make it almost impossible to import a used vehicle of your choice. In order to protect jobs in the local car industry, import permits are issued only in very specific and defined circumstances.
So, unless you are a returning resident, racing driver or a disabled driver requiring a special vehicle not available locally – or need a bullet-proof car – your chances are pretty slim.
Import Permits are issued in the following circumstances:
Permits are also issued for inherited vehicles. The heir must submit a copy of his/her ID, a copy of the will, a copy of the motor vehicle registration certificate in the name of the deceased and a copy of the death certificate.
When it comes to specially designed vehicles, permits are issued for the importation of, for instance, ambulances, fire engines, bullet proof vehicles, mobile workshops, mobile cranes and similar vehicles if the particular type of vehicle or a similar/substitute vehicle is not available locally.
Full details are available on the Department of Trade and Industry’s website: www.dti.gov.za.
If you plan to import a new vehicle, you won’t need an import permit. But 40 per cent duty is payable, plus 14 per cent VAT. Before being able to get it licenced, the vehicle must be submitted to the SA Bureau of Standards for type clearance. Oh, and the vehicle must be right-hand drive, left-hand drive vehicles may not be imported.
Overall the cost – and hassles – of importing a vehicle to our shores is horrendous. Dial in a weak rand, shipping costs and insurance, and a seemingly bargain-price foreign import will probably cost serious money.
Sea freight will cost anything from R20 000 to R30 000, excluding the costs on both sides.
Once you have emptied your wallet and paid your dues, there is one final thing to consider – maintenance of your dream in South Africa. It won’t be too hard to get an oil change or new plugs but anything else may need a bit more research. Browsing through the classified section of CAR magazine should reveal some specialist companies. Don’t expect your local spares shop to be of much use.
However, a spokesman for Bloomsbury pointed out that, in many cases, you can get parts quicker via the internet than it takes for agents to order and deliver parts for locally-available cars.
“It can be quicker to import parts for, say, a Lamborghini Diablo from the States than getting a centre console for a Toyota Corolla, which takes about six weeks for delivery,” said a spokesman.
“Don’t be afraid of imported cars,” he added. “They will retain their resale value much more than a locally available vehicle, especially if you import a car that is desirable internationally.”