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Shipping a Motor Vehicle:

Police Clearance Certificate for Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles and Trailers.

Vehicle Transportation

Vehicle Transportation

The Police Clearance Certificate is necessary for any vehicle that has been registered for the roads and is obtainable from Local Vehicle Testing Centre. Authorities normally need to see the Export Permit (for motorised vehicles) as well as the Registration Certificate, Purchase Invoice and Identity Document. Prior to issuing the Police Clearance Certificate, the authorities may also require a shipping confirmation letter from Magna-Thomson. The clearance is valid for 21 days.  On request this clearance can be extended. Read more about vehicle tranfer here.Back to top

Export Permit For Motor Vehicles

Obtainable from the Department of Trade and Industry. This should be obtained prior to your Commercial Bank issuing the N.E.P. Form. This is not required for trailers or motor cycles.

Points to Consider Before Deciding to Ship a Motor Car

  • Is the manufacturer represented in the country you are moving to?
  • Is the model you are proposing to send manufactured or obtainable in that country? Remember that even though a similar model may be available, parts may differ in a car manufactured in or for the South African market. Please check this carefully.
  • Are the rules of the road the same viz, left-hand side/right-hand side?
  • Does the country you are going to use miles or kilometers? Apart from being difficult to import, this could affect future resale value of the vehicle in that country.
  • Is the car easily insurable in that country or will your premiums be loaded for driving a foreign car? Remember to get a claims history letter from your insurer.
  • If you are elderly will your age adversely affect the premiums. Check with overseas insurers.
  • Does your vehicle comply with design regulations in the country you are moving to? It is your responsibility to get clarification on this before exporting your vehicle, as well as to obtain any import permits that may be required.
  • Ensure that your tyres, windscreen and seat belts meet standards overseas. For Europe these should have the E-mark (European standard of approval) stamped on headlights etc.
  • Will the vehicle attract any duty or sales tax at destination? Whilst it is no longer necessary for you to have owned the vehicle for at least 12 months in terms of SA regulations before export, there could well be implications at destination. Most countries require you to have owned the vehicle for a period (UK 6 months, Australia & New Zealand 12 months continuous use) failing which duty and/or taxes will become payable, or importation refused. All vehicles entering Australia are dutiable/taxable (except vintage).
  • The testing and modifications required to meet US and Canadian standards are both costly and intensive and make the importation of vehicles into these countries prohibitive. Do not consider shipping unless your vehicle is a vintage or was specifically manufactured for these markets.
  • Remember the British SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) tests and the New Zealand safety checks. For New Zealand, you will need compliance certificate from your manufacturer. Please feel free to contact Magna-Thomson for any advice you may need about your removal.
  • In South Africa you will require an Export Permit and a Police Clearance Certificate before exporting.
    Read more about vehicle tranfer here.Back to top

Export of Firearms

We will be able to assist you with the process to follow when wanting to export your firearms. Important things to note:

  • Obtain an Import Permit from your country of destination - Handguns are not normally permitted to be imported into any country. Certain countries ban the importation of any weapons, therefore ask us for details.
  • Once obtained send to SAPS in Pretoria with - Certified copy of Work/Permanent   Residence Permit, SAPS 300 (cancellation of License to Possess Firearm), SAP 311 (application for Export Permit Firearm License), copy of Identity Book or Passport.

Note: Some countries do not issue import permits in advance. If an Import Permit is not obtained, SAPS at their discretion may still issue an Export Permit

Find the contact details of your nearest branch and chat to a consultant about your particular export requirements. We are ready to assist you in answering any questions you may have.

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