How do I buy used car parts from the UK and ship them to South Africa?
Send your parts list and destination to a UK supplier who inspects stock, agree the items and codes, then consolidate everything into one shipment rather than posting items separately. A commercial invoice and packing list clear customs, and duty is handled at the South Africa end.
- Main entry point: Durban
- Consolidating into one container is far cheaper per item
- Confirm engine and gearbox codes before anything ships
- Commercial invoice and packing list travel with the load
- Duty and clearance are set in South Africa, not the UK
South Africa has the largest and most formalised motor industry in Africa, with an established aftermarket and a professional trade. Expectations on documentation and quality are correspondingly higher.
What sells in South Africa
Buying what the market actually wants is the whole game. In South Africa, demand concentrates on:
- German marques — VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi
- Toyota and Ford
- Performance and specialist parts
- Engines and gearboxes with verifiable history
- Body panels for common models
Ports and routing
Durban handles most volume; Cape Town and Port Elizabeth serve their regions.
Durban is the main container port, with Cape Town and Port Elizabeth also handling volume.
Buyers here are more likely to ask for testing evidence and part numbers up front. Supply both without being asked and you will stand out.
What we can supply
- Engines & gearboxes
- Body & panels
- Electrical & batteries
- Alloys & tyres
- Whole vehicles & vans
- Salvage & breaking
Getting a quote
Send your buying list and your destination city. We will tell you what we hold regularly, what has to be sourced to order, and what the whole load will cost delivered — not just the sea rate. If you are new to the route, start with how to set an export business up and our step-by-step export guide.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about buying, selling and shipping car parts with LJ Auto.
How much does it cost to ship car parts to South Africa?
It depends on volume far more than item count, because freight is priced by space. A shared container suits smaller orders and a full container is much cheaper per item once you can fill one. Send your parts list and destination city for a quote.
Which port do shipments to South Africa arrive at?
Durban handles most volume; Cape Town and Port Elizabeth serve their regions.
Can you ship a whole salvage vehicle to South Africa?
Yes. We export whole salvage vehicles and vans as well as loose parts, and both can travel in the same container — usually the cheapest configuration per item.
What paperwork comes with the shipment?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, which is what your clearing agent presents at the South Africa end. Import duty and clearance procedures are set locally, so confirm them with your agent before the container sails.
Popular with buyers in South Africa
Send an enquiry or ask for the stock list
Tell us the part, the vehicle or the container you need — we’ll come back with availability, pricing and shipping to your country.