← Importing a car from China to South Africa: full landed-cost guide 2026
MG7 to South Africa: what it costs landed
Today’s quote: from $17,413 FOB China port (new car, quoted 09-30). Below: every step from there to a registered car in South Africa, computed by our rules engine — sources and verification dates included.
Quoted configuration · 2026-09-30 · 1379 · Petrol/diesel · 1,988 cc
Cheaper per car when several ship together — quoted per order
| Ex-works price | $16,074 |
| + Export handling (arranged by LandedCar) | $1,339 |
| = FOB | $17,413 |
| + Freight & insurance (insurance 0.8%) | $3,667 |
| CIF · per car | $21,081 |
| + Import duty 25% | $5,270 |
| + VAT 15% | $3,953 |
| + Ad valorem excise (sliding scale: B = 1.15 x customs value + duty, rate = min(30%, 0.00003 x B - 0.75%); about 14.4% of B, roughly USD 4,000 on a USD 20,000 car, same for ICE and BEV) (estimate) | $4,000 |
| + VAT top-up (VAT base is 1.10 x customs value + duty + ad valorem excise; this line is the 15% on the 10% uplift and on the excise) (estimate) | $900 |
| + CO2 environmental levy (BEV 0; new ICE cars pay ZAR 146 per g/km above 95, a 1.5L without a test certificate is deemed 195 g/km, about ZAR 14,600 / USD 810) (estimate) | $0 |
| + NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) application fee ZAR 1,800 | $100 |
| + Roadworthy test + provincial registration and licensing (about ZAR 700–2,000) (estimate) | $75 |
| + Durban port handling per car (RoRo discharge / wharfage) (estimate) | $250 |
| = Destination taxes and registration fees subtotal | $14,548 |
| + Service fee (LandedCar) | $350 |
| DDP delivered duty paid · per car | $35,978 |
Recalculate with your own price → Live quote of 09-30 — prices move; confirm before ordering
Can this car get in?
- ⛔ Right-hand drive only: China-market LHD cars cannot be imported — needs the RHD version
- • Used cars may only be imported from the US / Canada (USMCA); Chinese used cars cannot enter — new cars can
- • Who can import: New cars: the importer (individual or company) must hold an NRCS Letter of Authority before clearance and registration; used passenger cars are closed to commercial import and only returning residents, immigrants, inheritance, racing / vintage cases may apply for an ITAC permit
- • Left-hand-drive cars have not been importable since 2004, so a China-spec LHD car cannot be registered in South Africa; right-hand drive only
- • Commercial import of used passenger cars is prohibited; the narrow exemptions need an ITAC permit plus an NRCS LOA and the car may not be resold (lock-in per the ITAC permit conditions)
- • BEVs are inside the ad valorem excise (Schedule 1 Part 2B); the rate slides with the B value up to 30%, and VAT is charged on customs value plus 10% plus all duties
Rules and sources
- Current SARS Schedule 1: Part 1 gives 25% general duty on ordinary 8703 cars including BEV 8703.80.90; Part 2B imported-car ad valorem rate (0.00003 x B - 0.75)% capped at 30%, BEVs included; Part 3D CO2 levy ZAR 146/g above 95 g/km on new cars ↗ official 2026-10-03
- SARS SC-CF-55 Goods Declaration policy (14 Aug 2026): imported ad valorem value B = customs value x 1.15 + non-rebated Part 1 duty; VAT value ATV = customs value x 1.10 + non-rebated duties ↗ official 2026-10-03
- SARS import VAT FAQ: 15% VAT on the ATV (customs value plus 10% plus duties) ↗ official 2026-10-03
- South African Government service page: used vehicles may be imported only under the listed conditions, with a prior NRCS LOA and an ITAC import permit ↗ official 2026-10-03
- South African Government LOA service page: an NRCS Letter of Authority is required before importing a new or used vehicle or registering a built / modified one ↗ official 2026-10-04
- News24 (AA statement): LHD cars can no longer be imported; only LHD cars first registered in South Africa on or before 23 July 2004 may still be used, and cannot be re-registered on change of owner ↗ verified 2026-10-04
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Indicative figures: exchange rates, freight and tax rules change; what customs actually charges and the quote LandedCar confirms prevail. Free and not a basis for refunds or claims — see Terms.