Regulations for Importing Japanese
Used Cars to Botswana

Considering importing a car from Japan to Botswana? Understand the essential rules, duties, and required documentation to ensure a smooth import process

Key Import Guidelines

Vehicle Age Restrictions

There is no age limit.

Steering Position

Both right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars are accepted.

Vehicles Accepted

Only passenger cars are offered from Japan auctions.

Shipping and Port Details

Primary Ports: Durban and Walvis Bay Seaport

Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Duties and Taxes

Duties and taxes are worked out on the CIF value, which is the car's price plus sea freight. Customs duty is 27% of the CIF value. VAT is 14% of the CIF value plus customs duty. The road levy is BWP 40.

Required Documents for Customs Clearance

Registration Certificate (Country of Origin)

Confirms car registration status

Export Certificate

Issued by Japanese authorities, required for customs

Original Invoice

Provided by Carbarn.

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate

Mandatory pre-shipment condition appraisal by the approved inspection body.

Bill of Lading

Issued by the shipping company detailing shipment specifics

Condition Report

Detailed description of vehicle condition, including exterior, interior, and mechanical status

Regulations for Importing Japanese Used Cars to Botswana

Considering importing a used car from Japan to Botswana? Here is a clear summary of Botswana’s car import regulations, shipping details, applicable duties, and necessary documentation.

Key Import Guidelines:

Vehicle Age Restrictions:

No age restrictions on importing used vehicles from Japan.

Mandatory Inspection:

No inspection required for vehicles imported into Botswana.

Shipping Information:

Destination Port: Durban, South Africa (vehicles transported onward by land)
Shipping Method: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), with transit times of approximately 40 days
Shipping Line: Höegh

Duties and Taxes:

VAT: 12% of vehicle’s imported value
Total customs duty: approximately 27% of vehicle’s CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight)
Duty-free importation is possible under certain conditions:
One duty-free car per family allowed (imported within 6 months from issuance of Work Permit)
Subsequent vehicles per family incur 15-20% VAT on CIF value
Imported duty-free cars must not be sold or transferred for 2 years post-importation.

Required Documentation for Customs Clearance:

Certificate of Title and Registration (ownership for at least one year)
Purchase Invoice or Receipt (showing purchase value)
Police Clearance Certificates (export country and Botswana Police Service)
Vehicle Evaluation (from accredited used car dealer)
IC 2 Application (submitted to Ministry of Commerce)
Registration and ownership proof
Form CE 101 (original, in duplicate) with Import Permit, Residence Permit, and passport
Import Permit (Ministry of Commerce)
Customs Declaration Form SAD 500

Additional Information:

Foreign-registered vehicles must obtain necessary clearances if remaining beyond 14 days.
Foreign diplomats have exemption from import duties/taxes (Diplomatic Clearance Certificate required).

Following these guidelines will help ensure your car import process into Botswana proceeds smoothly.