Exporting a vehicle to Botswana

As soon as your vehicle has been prepared by UVS for export, and all documentation is in

place, we will email you and your nominated agent copies of all relevant paperwork. 

Thereafter, the vehicle will be loaded on a carrier and moved up to South Africa’s Kopfontein border post, where it will exit and then enter through Botswana’s Tlokweng border post. 

It is important to have all relevant documentation, permits, and duty/taxes payments processed prior to the arrival in order to avoid any unnecessary issues and complications. All original vehicle documents are either couriered to you prior to dispatch, or handed to you or your clearing agent by the car carrier driver.

Useful information when importing a vehicle to Botswana

Please check your local Revenue Services or Customs Department website for up-to-date information.

Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS)

Botswana Import Regulations

Inspections:

Customs clearance of a used car should be undertaken even if there is no intention to

register the car in Botswana, or if it is still owned by a bank or any other third party.

Documents required:

  • Certificate of Title and Registration (South African Logbook / RC1) – confirming that the car has been owned and used for one year.
  • Purchase Invoice (or receipt) – specifies purchase value.
  • Police Clearance Certificate from both the export country and the Botswana Police Service.
  • IC 2 Application – obtained from the Destination Agent, submitted to the Ministry of Commerce.
  • Registration and proof of ownership.
  • Form CE 101 – original, in duplicate, submitted with Import Permit, Residence Permit, and Passport to the Department of Customs and Excise.
  • Import Permit – obtained from the Ministry of Commerce.
  • Customs Declaration Form SAD 500.

Residents of Botswana:

Residents of Botswana are not allowed to drive or use foreign-registered vehicles in Botswana for more than fourteen days after importation of such vehicles. If you are intending to do so, please contact your nearest customs office for advice. In the case of anyone found in possession of a foreign-registered vehicle, severe penalties including seizure of the vehicle may be imposed.