[Kyle]

Hi

Does anyone know a agent for exporting an import pajero to south africa from botswana? Its a 1996 SWB pajero. I am moving from Botswana to Joburg and have been driving the car for two years.

Thanks

[4ePajero]

You don't need an import agent. They charge you money for tasks you can do yourself.

Contact ITAC (Directorate: Import and Export Control)
Private bag X 192
Pretoria

Tel 086 184 3384
Fax (012) 394-0517

Read the Guidelines here:

http://www.itac.org.za/import_guidelines.htm

They can advise you on all the procedures you will require, and will send you the forms to complete.

PS If they say it can't be done, accept it! (Been there, done that)

For convenience (the question has been asked a few times):

Import Control Guidelines for the importation of used or second-hand vehicles, trucks, buses, taxis, coaches, engines, gearboxes, differentials and used or second-hand spares for heavy duty trucks


Most used or second-hand goods can be imported from certain countries at extremely low prices, for various reasons. In view of the low prices, the normal import duties applicable to the products concerned, is not an effective control instrument in the case of used or second-hand goods. Consequently, the importation of used or second-hand goods are subject to import control in terms of the International Trade Administration Act (Act 71 of 2002).

In considering applications for the importation of used or second-hand goods, the general principle applied is that import permits are refused if the goods concerned, or similar/substitute goods are available from local manufacturers.

The purpose of applying import control is to promote local economic activities and job creation.

Passenger vehicles, mini-buses, buses/coaches, light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles are manufactured/assembled in South Africa. About 90 000 people are employed in assembly and component manufacturing and this sector contributes about 10% of total manufacturing in South Africa. In view of the importance of this sector, strict control is applied to the importation of used vehicles and import permits are issued only in very specific and defined circumstances.

The prevailing import control policy with regard to the different categories of goods is as follows:-

(a) Used or second-hand motor vehicles for personal use.

Permits for the importation of used or second-hand passenger motor vehicles are issued in the following circumstances:

To immigrants for the importation of private motor vehicles. Imported vehicles may not be disposed of within a period of 24 months from the date of importation.


To returning South African residents and nationals. The returning resident or national may import his/her used or second-hand vehicle to a maximum of three vehicles if he/she returns permanently to the RSA after a minimum uninterrupted period of absence of six months working, studying or conducting research abroad. It is also required that the vehicle be registered in his/her name for the minimum uninterrupted corresponding period of six months(working etc.) prior to the return. The imported vehicle may not be disposed of within a period of two years of importation.


To physically disabled people to import a specially designed motor vehicle which will suit the disabled person’s personal requirements. Proof in the form of a certificate, issued by a medical doctor that the applicant is in fact disabled is required. Full details of the vehicle must be submitted and the imported vehicle may not be disposed of within a period of two years of importation.


Inheritance: Permits are issued for inherited motor 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.


Vintage vehicles and vehicles which are regarded as collectors’ items. Vintage vehicles can be described as vehicles of 40 years old or older. Vehicles regarded as collectors’ items are not so easy to define. All requests for the importation of such vehicles are, inter alia, discussed with the South African Veteran and Vintage Association, who comply with international criteria. Vehicles regarded as collectors items must internationally be considered collectors items.


Racing cars: Racing cars may be imported by a racing driver. The proposed importer must submit a copy of his international, national or regional competition racing car driver’s licence as well as a copy of his identification document. Racing vehicles to be imported are those to be used for circuit or track racing events only.


(Note): No import permits are issued for the importation of used or second-hand motor vehicles for commercial/resale purposes or any other purpose falling outside of the specifically defined circumstances referred to herein above

(b) Specially designed vehicles..

Permits are issued for the importation of specially designed vehicles, for own use, for instance mobile cranes and similar vehicles if the particular type of vehicle or a similar/substitute vehicle is not available locally.

(c) Used or second-hand buses, trucks, taxis and coaches

Taxis, trucks, buses and coaches are available from local manufacturers. Import duty is not a suitable method of supporting local manufactures and guard against the disruptive importation of the above-mentioned used or second-hand vehicles.

Stringent import control measures are, therefore, maintained and no permits are issued for the importation of used or second-hand vehicles other than for vehicles mentioned in (a) and (b) above.

The existing policies are reviewed from time to time.

New vehicles (passenger vehicles), trucks, taxis, buses and coaches are not subject to import control. The applicable duties are however payable. The import duties on new vehicles are to be reduced over time.

(d) Used engines

Import permits for the importation of used petrol engines of an engine capacity not exceeding 3 000 cc and used diesel engines not exceeding 3 500 cc, are issued to a value of 50% of an importers previous years allocation as an initial issue for the current year.

(e) Used gearboxes

Import permits for the importation of used gearboxes are issued to a value of 50% of an importers previous years allocation as an initial issue for the current year.

(f) Used differentials

Import permits for the importation of used differentials are issued to bona-fide re-conditioners. All imported differentials must be reconditioned prior to resale.

(g) Used or second-hand spares for heavy duty commercial trucks

Import permits for the importation of used or second hand heavy duty commercial truck spares and parts are issued on condition that similar or suitable substitute spares or parts are not available from local sources or suppliers. The importation of used or second hand commercial truck/bus chassis are not allowed. Import permits for the importation of used parts such as diesel engines, gearboxes and diffirentials for commercial trucks are normally issued within a period of three to four workdays from receipt of a fully completed application form with supporting documents.

(h) General information

Persons/firms that wish or intend importing a used or second-hand vehicle and/or used or second-hand spares and parts are strongly advised, before placing an order or buying/shipping a vehicle or vehicle spares/parts to South Africa, to first apply for and obtain an import permit. In cases where the applicant clearly qualifies in terms of the above guidelines, and the correct documentation is submitted, permits are issued within an average of four working days. In other cases where the merits of the specific application have to be evaluated, it takes longer, depending on the nature of the particular case.

Import permit application forms are available from the Director: Import and Export Control, Private Bag X 192, Pretoria, 0001. Guidelines and application forms are also available and can be downloaded from the International Trade Administration Commission website. The address is http://www.itac.org.za (Import and Export forms). Further information can be obtained from the above address or by phoning Marius Collins at (012) 394-3617, Ms Ada de Beer at (012) 394-3619 or Ms Renè van Vuuren at (012) 394-3610.

NOTE: ALL IMPORTED VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO THE ISSUING OF A LETTER OF AUTHORITY BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS AT (012) 428-7911.

Please note that these guidelines may change without prior notice.
Import guidelines July 2006.

Marius Collins
+27 (0) 12 394-3617
or
Ms Ada de Beer
+27 (0) 12 394-3619
or
Ms Renè van Vuuren
+27 (0) 12 394-3610

[Kyle]

Thanks.

o returning South African residents and nationals. The returning resident or national may import his/her used or second-hand vehicle to a maximum of three vehicles if he/she returns permanently to the RSA after a minimum uninterrupted period of absence of six months working, studying or conducting research abroad. It is also required that the vehicle be registered in his/her name for the minimum uninterrupted corresponding period of six months(working etc.) prior to the return. The imported vehicle may not be disposed of within a period of two years of importation.

That's me (student 10 years in Botswana), so it should be possible