Japan Used Cars Import Regulations in Botswana

Botswana currently imposes no restriction on import of used cars from Japan. Used cars imported on a temporary basis into Botswana from the Japanese car Exporters should be imported under cover of a Temporary Import Permit issued by BURS at time of importation.

Namibia-Walvis Bay and Durban are major ports for importing Japan used cars in Botswana. These ports provide straight forward clearing procedures and outstanding security for the used car and its content.

All foreign registered vehicles entering Botswana are required to pay a National Road Safety Fund levy, which expires at the end of December of each year, and a Road Transport Permit levy charged on the basis of the load of a vehicle and charged for every entry into Botswana.

Used cars that enter Botswana for home consumption are liable for payment of customs duties and/or VAT and therefore should be cleared for Customs purpose within 14 days from the date of entry into Botswana. The appropriate documents to be submitted to BURS for this purpose are as stated below:

• Certificate of Title and Registration – confirming that the car has been owned and used for one year.
• Purchase Invoice (or receipt):- Specifies purchase value.
• Police Clearance Certificate from both the export country and Botswana Police Service.
• Vehicle Evaluation – obtained from an accredited Used Car Dealer.
• IC 2 Application – obtained from Destination Agent, submit to Ministry of Commerce.
• Registration and proof of ownership.
• Form CE 101 – original, in duplicate, submitted with Import Permit, Residence Permit, and passport to department of Customs and Excise.
• Import Permit:- Obtained from Ministry of Commerce.
• Customs Declaration Form SAD 500

Customs clearance of a used car should be undertaken even if there is no intention to register the car in Botswana or if it is still owned by a Bank or any other third party.

Non-residents visiting Botswana and coming from a country outside the Southern African Common Customs Area for a limited period are normally required to produce a carnet, or bill of entry in respect to their used cars, any duty liable on such cars will be secured by bond or cash deposit.

Residents of Botswana are not allowed to drive or use foreign registered vehicles in the Botswana for more than fourteen days after importation of such vehicle. If you are intending to do so please contact your nearest customs office for advice. In case anyone found in possession of a foreign registered vehicle, severe penalties including seizure of vehicles may be imposed.

Botswana in Africa is growing market of Japan used cars, simply because the used cars from Japan have high quality, durability, low mileage and at the same time are cheaper as compared to the local available cars in Botswana.

A free entry is only permissible if done within 6 months of the date of issue of the Work Permit. Thereafter VAT of 10% applies. Only one car per family is duty free. Subsequent entries or more than one car per family are subject to 15% - 20% VAT of CIF Value. The car will not be sold or otherwise disposed of for 2 years from date of importation. Value Added Tax (VAT) at current rate is assessed on the imported value of the car.

Foreign diplomats are not required to pay any duties or taxes, subject to the provision of Diplomatic clearance certificate, and proof of value. Botswana registration and driver's license must be changed within 6 months of arrival in the country.