Question 1

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to all eight markets covered here — Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana and Tanzania — with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.

Question 2

Which African market is easiest for importing used cars?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. South Africa restricts used imports to returning residents, diplomats and a few narrow categories, and Ethiopia allows only electric vehicles. Among the open markets, Egypt caps used passenger cars at 3 years, Morocco at 5, Kenya at 8 (right-hand drive), Ghana and Nigeria at about 10–12 (left-hand drive), and Tanzania at 10 (right-hand drive). Because the limits are enforced at the port and change periodically, confirm the current rule for your target country before buying.

Question 3

Left-hand drive or right-hand drive for Africa?

Accepted Answer

Africa is split by colonial history. West and North Africa — Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco — drive on the right and require left-hand-drive vehicles. East and Southern Africa — Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa — drive on the left and require right-hand-drive vehicles. Sending the wrong configuration means rejection at the port, so we confirm the steering side for your exact destination before you order.

Question 4

How long does shipping from China to Africa take?

Accepted Answer

Sea transit varies by coast: about 35–45 days to West Africa (Lagos, Tema), 25–35 days to East and Southern Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Durban) and North Africa (Port Said, Alexandria, Casablanca, Tanger Med), and slightly longer for landlocked Ethiopia via Djibouti. Transit times shift with route and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your lane before shipment.

Question 5

Do you handle import clearance in my country?

Accepted Answer

Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.

Question 6

How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.

Question 7

What are the payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.

Question 8

How do we start?

Accepted Answer

Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.

Question 9

Should I start with new cars or used cars in Africa?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the market. Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Morocco admit used cars inside their age limits; Egypt caps used passenger cars at 3 years; Kenya requires right-hand drive; South Africa restricts used imports to returning residents; Ethiopia admits only electric vehicles. Many importers run two lines — new cars for the tighter markets and recent used cars where the age limit allows. Tell us your destination and we will point out which line fits your licence and working capital.

Age limit	Used imports are restricted to specific categories — returning residents (resident abroad over 6 months), new permanent residents, diplomats, persons with disabilities, vintage vehicles over 40 years, and racing cars. Right-hand drive only; left-hand drive is prohibited unless the vehicle was first registered before January 2000.
Steering	Right-hand drive only for normal imports (left-hand drive prohibited except pre-2000 registrations).
Import duty & taxes	Customs duty 25% (20% if the vehicle is over 20 years old) plus an ad valorem duty of 7–20% based on value, and 15% VAT. An ITAC import permit and an NRCS Letter of Authority (LoA) are required before shipment.
Main ports / entry	Durban is the main port, with Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) also used. Vehicles are registered on the eNaTIS system.
Authority & certification	SARS (customs); the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) issues the import permit; the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) issues the LoA; eNaTIS handles registration.
Required documents	ITAC import permit, NRCS Letter of Authority, original registration or logbook, bill of lading, commercial invoice, passport or ID, and proof of residence or return. The LoA must be obtained before the vehicle ships.

South Africa

South Africa

Import facts at a glance

Vehicles currently available — South Africa

Import guides

Our experience in this region — Africa

FAQ

South Africa — Buyer reviews

Import a car from China?