What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Namibia?

Max 10 years (NaTIS/MVA enforcement)

Import Japanese Car to Namibia — Complete Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Namibia?

Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Invoice, Insurance, NaTIS/Customs clearance

Age Limit

Max 10 years

Manufactured 2016 or later

Import Duty

~27% total

~12–15% (SACU member) + VAT 15%

Steering Side

LHD

Namibia drives on the left. RHD Japanese vehicles are standard.

Transit Time

18–22 days

From Japanese port to Namibia

⚠️ Age Compliance Checker

Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets Namibia's 10-year age limit:

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Walvis Bay Port (own deep-water port — excellent access)

📋 Required Documents

📄Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Invoice

📄Insurance

📄NaTIS/Customs clearance

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select RHD vehicle under 10 years

Ship to Walvis Bay (direct — no transit country needed)

NCS (Namibia Customs and Excise) clearance

Pay SACU duty (~12%) + 15% VAT

NaTIS roadworthy inspection

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

~12–15% (SACU member) + VAT 15%

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Namibia before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔Max 10 years

⛔Must pass NaTIS roadworthy

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

NaTIS (National Transport Information System) roadworthy test.

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Namibia imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Namibia

Namibia has an advantage over other southern African landlocked nations — it has its own deep-water port at Walvis Bay. No need to transit through South Africa. Very low SACU duty rates.