Shipping a car from the Port of East London to the UK
The Port of East London is one of 5 ports we ship cars to the UK from in South Africa. We collect the car, get it to the port, ship it and clear it through UK customs.
About the Port of East London
The Port of East London is at the mouth of the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape, South Africa's only commercial river port, and is managed by Transnet National Ports Authority. Much of its business supports the region's car industry, and it has a dedicated automotive terminal for roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vehicle carriers.
Sources: maritime-executive.com, ports.marinelink.com
Shipping from East London
We collect from your address or dealer anywhere in South Africa and truck it to the port. Depending on its value, we will quote for open or enclosed transport to the port. If you want enclosed, just say so on the quote form.
Unless you pay for a container of your own, your car shares one with other customers’ cars, which keeps the price down. Not sure which suits your car? Our guide to container, RoRo or air goes through the differences.
Other ports in South Africa
We also ship from 4 other ports in South Africa. The car usually goes from whichever is nearest to where it is collected.
The route to the UK
Cars from South Africa arrive at a UK port, usually in the south of England, and come by road to our site in Castle Donington, near Derby. Cars shipped in a container are unloaded at our own premises, away from busy port warehouses and long port waiting times.
Paperwork and tax
You will usually need: registration papers, purchase invoice, passport.
A car from South Africa usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator, or read how to bring your car tax free if you are moving here.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from East London to the UK?
About 4 to 6 weeks, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from East London?
Our guide price for South Africa is from £1,975 for a car, built from a year of real jobs. It covers shipping only: registration, other services, import tax and remedial fees are extra. Motorbikes start from £1,250.
Do I have to take the car to East London myself?
No. We collect from your address or dealer and truck the car to the port. If you would rather drop it at East London yourself, tell us on the quote form.
Will my car definitely ship from East London?
Usually it ships from the nearest main port to where it is collected. The shipping line confirms the port and the sailing when we book, and your quote will say which port we are planning to use.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from East London?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
