How to import a Chinese electric car into South Africa (2026)

CRAVEUO EV Export · Sources last checked 2026-10-30 · General information, not legal advice. We do not clear customs in South Africa. Nothing here is a promise or a quote.

Quick answer

We have no confirmed right-hand-drive supply for this market, so a price shown elsewhere on this site for this market is a list estimate, not an offer. South Africa requires new passenger models to be right-hand drive, and China-market cars are left-hand drive. A Chinese-made electric car pays 25% duty, ad valorem excise of up to 30% and 15% VAT. Used cars cannot be imported.

Key facts

Ad valorem excise on electric cars

Some older guides leave this tax out. The tariff lists 8703.80.90 under Note 2, whose formula is ((0.00003 x B) - 0.75)%, with a maximum of 30% (Part 2B). B is the value set under section 65(8)(a) of the Customs Act.

By our arithmetic, a value of R500,000 gives 14.25%, and the cap starts at R1,025,000. We did not find exactly how B is worked out for an imported car, so ask a clearing agent.

Compliance

The specification asks the maker, importer or builder for proof of compliance for each model (Gazette 25245). There is a single-car letter of authority, which only the person who will register the car can apply for. The car must also be shown to meet SABS requirements.

We found no clear rule on whether a private person can import a new electric model that has not been approved in South Africa. Our understanding is that model-level proof is out of reach for one buyer.

Models

We have no model list for South Africa. A car page on this site may say a model has a right-hand-drive version. That means the maker sells one in some market. It is not supply we have confirmed.

How an order works

1. Check the rules above with a South African clearing agent.
2. Ask us whether we have right-hand-drive supply yet. Send your city, model and version through the inquiry form. We tell you whether we can supply that car before any contract.