Auto Spare Parts
Oct 22, 2026
Auto Parts Export from UAE to South Africa — ITAC, SARS & Shipping Guide
Table of Contents
By FindMyParto · Sharjah Industrial Area 3 · Updated October 2026 · 10 min read
Exporting Auto Parts from UAE to South Africa
| Part condition | What applies |
|---|---|
| New / aftermarket | Normal SARS customs entry (SAD500). Duty by HS code, then 15% VAT. |
| Used / second-hand | ITAC import permit advised before ordering. Permits for used goods are tightly controlled. |
Sea freight takes about 14–24 days. FindMyParto suppliers in Sharjah Industrial Area 3 quote new, aftermarket and used options and supply the export documents. Get free quotes ?
Used engines and gearboxes are the hard part. ITAC advises importers of used or second-hand vehicle spares and parts to obtain a permit before ordering or shipping, and says stringent controls apply. Do not buy a used unit for South Africa until you know a permit is realistic. New and aftermarket parts are the practical route for most buyers.
South Africa is a large, well-organised market for vehicle parts, and also one of the more tightly regulated destinations for second-hand goods. That is different from the other pages in our export series, where the question is mainly paperwork: for South Africa the first question is whether the part is new or used. This guide explains both routes, how import VAT is actually calculated (it surprises many first-time importers), and how FindMyParto and the verified suppliers of Sharjah Industrial Area 3 fit in. For the other corridors, see our used Toyota engine export hub.
New vs Second-Hand — the Deciding Question
New and Aftermarket Parts
Cleared through a standard customs entry. Duty depends on the HS classification, followed by VAT. No second-hand import permit is involved, which makes this the simpler and more predictable route. Confirm with your broker whether any product-specific requirement applies to your part category.
Used or Second-Hand Parts
Subject to import control through the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC). Guidance advises obtaining an import permit before placing an order or shipping, and permits for used goods are tightly controlled. Ask whether reconditioned or remanufactured units are treated as second-hand before assuming they are exempt.
Step-by-Step Process
- Classify the part. Agree the HS code and condition (new, aftermarket, reconditioned or used) with a South African customs broker. This drives the duty, any permit and any product requirement.
- Check the permit position first. For used parts, establish with the broker whether an ITAC permit is obtainable before any money moves.
- Source and verify. Request quotes through FindMyParto. For used units, use our used engine inspection guide.
- Prepare the paperwork. Invoice with exact descriptions and HS codes, packing list and certificate of origin, issued by the supplier.
- Book freight. Sea freight from Jebel Ali or Sharjah to a South African port, with cargo insurance.
- Clear customs. Your broker lodges the SARS customs declaration (SAD500) and pays duty and VAT.
- Collect or truck inland. Release follows payment and any inspection.
How South African Import VAT Actually Works
South African import VAT is 15%, but it is not charged on the invoice value alone. It is charged on the Added Tax Value (ATV): the customs value (generally the FOB value) plus a 10% uplift, plus the customs duty. That uplift means the VAT bill is larger than a simple 15% of the invoice.
Here is an illustration. The 10% duty rate below is an assumption for the arithmetic only; your real rate depends on the HS code.
| Line | Calculation | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Customs value (FOB) | Parts invoice | 5,000 |
| Customs duty (illustrative 10%) | 10% × 5,000 | 500 |
| 10% uplift | 10% × 5,000 | 500 |
| Added Tax Value (ATV) | 5,000 + 500 + 500 | 6,000 |
| Import VAT (15% of ATV) | 15% × 6,000 | 900 |
VAT-registered importers can usually reclaim import VAT as input VAT. Standard (MFN) duty rates apply unless your broker confirms a preference. Always get the figure for your HS code before shipping.
Documents You Need
- Commercial invoice with exact descriptions, quantities, values and HS codes.
- Packing list with weights and dimensions.
- Certificate of origin to support valuation and duty assessment.
- Bill of lading or air waybill.
- SARS customs declaration (SAD500), lodged by your broker.
- ITAC import permit for used or second-hand parts, where one is obtainable.
Every FindMyParto export from Sharjah Industrial Area 3 includes the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
Shipping Routes and Ports
| Method | Transit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight (e.g. Durban) | 14 – 24 days | Gearboxes, engines, consolidated orders |
| Air freight | Fastest option | Small, high-value items such as ECUs and turbochargers |
Estimated sea freight for a consignment is typically AED 700–1,600, depending on weight and volume.
What to Ship from Sharjah — Practical Options
Given the permit position, the straightforward South Africa-bound categories from Sharjah Industrial Area 3 are new and aftermarket components: suspension parts, shock absorbers, alternators, wheel bearings, water pumps and turbochargers. Our OEM vs aftermarket guide explains which brands to trust. For used engines and gearboxes, get the permit position in writing first.
Common Mistakes on South Africa-Bound Shipments
Buying a used unit before the permit
ITAC advises obtaining the permit before ordering or shipping.
Budgeting VAT on the invoice value
VAT applies to ATV, which includes the 10% uplift and the duty.
Assuming "reconditioned" avoids second-hand rules
Ask your broker how reconditioned units are classified.
Guessing the HS code
The code drives duty, permits and product requirements. Agree it up front.
Exporting Through FindMyParto — Sharjah Industrial Area 3
FindMyParto is based in Sharjah Industrial Area 3 and connects Southern African buyers with verified suppliers. Tell us the destination is South Africa and whether you need new, aftermarket or used units, and suppliers respond with matching options and full export documentation.
?? +971562144958 ? info@findmyparto.com ?? 55 St, Industrial Area 3, Sharjah
Get Your South Africa-Bound Parts Quote — Free, in 60 Minutes
Tell FindMyParto the part, condition and that the destination is South Africa. Verified suppliers in Sharjah Industrial Area 3 respond with pricing and export documents.
Get Free Quotes on FindMyParto ?Frequently Asked Questions — Auto Parts Export UAE to South Africa
Can I export auto parts from UAE to South Africa?
Yes. New and aftermarket parts clear through normal SARS customs entry. Used or second-hand parts face ITAC import control, so confirm permit eligibility first.
Do I need an ITAC permit for used parts?
ITAC advises importers of second-hand vehicle spares and parts to obtain a permit before ordering or shipping. Permit approval is restricted, so do not assume it will be granted.
How is import VAT calculated?
15% of the Added Tax Value: the FOB customs value plus a 10% uplift plus customs duty. VAT-registered importers can usually reclaim it.
How long does shipping take?
Sea freight takes about 14–24 days. Air freight is quicker for small, high-value items.
Does FindMyParto export to South Africa?
Yes, from Sharjah Industrial Area 3, with invoice, packing list and certificate of origin on every shipment.
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