Importation of Japanese Used Vehicles to Namibia
The importation of right‑hand‑drive Japanese used vehicles into Namibia is open to dealers and private buyers, subject to the issuance of an import permit by NamRA and customs clearance at Walvis Bay in accordance with SACU requirements.
We supply right‑hand‑drive vehicles from Japanese auctions and fixed‑price stock, and handle all Japan‑side export logistics for delivery to Walvis Bay, Namibia’s primary deep‑water port.
Can Vehicles Be Imported from Japan to Namibia?"
Namibia allows imports by dealers and private buyers. Since it’s a right‑hand‑drive market, Japanese cars fit without modification. All imports must comply with NamRA (Namibia Revenue Agency) and SACU (Southern African Customs Union) requirements, and you’ll need an import permit for most passenger vehicles — a step we can guide you through.
Who can buy?
- Officially registered automotive dealerships in Namibia importing vehicle units for domestic commercial resale.
- Namibian residents importing a used Japanese vehicle for personal purposes, with a valid import permit issued by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA).
- Commercial re-exporters who clear imports through Walvis Bay under SACU procedures before re-exporting to neighbouring countries.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Passenger vehicle imports require an import permit from the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, which should be secured prior to the shipment’s departure from Japan.
- Imported vehicles are subject to customs duty, value‑added tax at 15%, and ad valorem excise duty, assessed at the time of Walvis Bay clearance. Applicable rates vary by vehicle class.
- Right-hand-drive configuration aligns directly with Namibian road infrastructure, eliminating the need for any subsequent vehicle conversion.
Key Regulations for Vehicle Importation to Namibia
- Where applicable to the vehicle category, an import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade prior to shipment.
- Shipments are directed to Walvis Bay under the consignee’s NamRA customs code. Upon arrival, the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and original Japanese export certificate must be submitted for clearance.
- SACU customs duty, value-added tax at the standard rate of 15%, and ad valorem excise duty are assessed and payable upon customs clearance at Walvis Bay, calculated according to the vehicle’s class and declared CIF value.
- Following NamRA customs clearance, the vehicle must undergo a roadworthy inspection and be registered with the Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) in accordance with local regulations.
- The Japanese export certificate and proof of deregistration must accompany the shipment, and a certified English translation is typically required.
Walvis Bay also serves as a transit hub for Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—consider bonded transit routing if you plan to re-export. Additionally, sanctions and restricted-party screening are conducted on every shipment prior to release.
Shipping & Delivery to Namibia
- Typical transit time from Japan to Walvis Bay is approximately 6 to 8 weeks via RoRo.
- Container shipping is ideal for high-value or consolidated orders, especially if you're shipping further inland to landlocked neighbors.
- Robust Auto arranges domestic transport within Japan to the export port once your auction win or stock order is confirmed.
- All Walvis Bay-side services — port handling, customs clearance through NamRA, settlement of duties, VAT, and excise, and onward inland transport — are to be arranged by the consignee or their appointed forwarder.
Important Notes on Required Paperwork
- The original Japanese export certificate (proof of de-registration) is included with every shipment.
- The shipping carrier issues the Bill of Lading, and Robust Auto handles your commercial invoice.
- Get a Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade import permit before shipping, if required for your vehicle category.
HOW TO BUY FROM JAPANESE AUCTION
Buying directly from Japanese auctions gives you access to the best selection and lowest prices.
This is the primary source where Japanese car dealers get their stock.
EXPLORE OUR CURRENT VEHICLE INVENTORY
We maintain a small selection of vehicles currently in inventory.
Each car has been inspected and verified by Robust Auto and is ready for immediate export.