Car shipping to South Africa has never been easy due to the complicated process of transport, documentation, and customs clearance. But under the guidance and assistance of an experienced shipping company like AFL, you don’t need to trouble yourself with the lengthy processes. With the help of our shipping partners worldwide, we specialize in car shipping to Swaziland South Africa. From the beginning to the end of the shipment process, it’s our responsibility to provide you with a flawless shipping experience. We specialize in shipping to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and other South African destination ports. So, leave everything to us, and we guarantee to deliver the best shipping experience of your life.
Car Shipping to Swaziland South Africa: Overview of the country
Swaziland, officially named the Kingdom of Eswatini, is a small landlocked country. It shares a border with Mozambique from the northeast and South Africa from the north, west, east, and southeast regions.
Swaziland enjoys a modern economy based on free-market principles. Its diversified economy mainly relies on agriculture, mining, textile, and sugar processing.
Unlike other countries, Swaziland has two capital cities. Mbabane serves as the administrative capital and commercial hub of this country. The other capital city Lobamba is known as the legislative seat of government.
Swaziland shares bilateral trade relationships with the US. It is a member of the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) that signed a Trade, Investment, and Development Cooperative Agreement (TIDCA) with the US.
Swaziland is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). In 2001, it signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the U.S.
Swaziland imports various products from the US, such as vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food items, etc.
Popular ports for car shipping to Swaziland South Africa
Swaziland is a landlocked country. So, it relies on its connection with Mozambique and other South African countries to trade with countries worldwide.
The port of Maputo in Mozambique offers a Swazi-dedicated facility to handle the growing volume of trade in Swaziland. A rail link and road further connect Maputo to Mbabane and Lobamba.
Upon arrival to any port of Mozambique or South African country, your vehicle will be put inside a bonded warehouse till other transportation is available. When using a bonded warehouse, you won’t need to pay for the customs tariff and duties of the host country.
Methods of car shipping to Swaziland South Africa
For international transportation, shipping companies use two standard options. But you must select a method that fits your requirements. Some ports may not support all shipping methods. So note this point as well before choosing an option.
RoRo shipping
RoRo shipping is the most used method for shipping cars to Swaziland, South Africa. This is also the most affordable and efficient option. You can ship anything from vehicles to machinery and heavy equipment with RoRo.
The process works by driving the car on the vessel through a ramp and tying it securely on the deck with other vehicles. After reaching the destination port, the car is driven off the deck.
Container shipping
For more protection, container shipping is another option to transport your car to Swaziland. This method may cost a little more than RoRo, but it’s worth the security, specifically for luxury cars.
The shipping company will offer you a 20-ft or 40-ft container depending on your requirements. You can also send other goods or household items alongside your vehicle.
There are two more options in container shipping:
LCL
LCL or Less than Container Load shipping involves sharing the container with other people, including the cost of a container. You’ll only have to pay for the space your vehicle and goods will occupy inside the container. So, the shipping price will be less.
But you’ll have to wait for some time to receive your delivery as the container has to fill before the vessel can embark on its journey.
FCL
FCL or Full Container Load is the most expensive shipping option as it requires you to pay for the whole container.
But the good part is that you can ship luxurious, vintage, or delicate items alongside your car as it provides absolute security. You can also place as many things as can fit inside the container.
Cost of Car Shipping To Swaziland South Africa
The cost of shipping cars to Swaziland, South Africa, can vary depending on the shipment method, vehicle type, season, and distance between ports.
But our estimate about the prices shows they can range between $3500 and $7000. The more cars and goods you’ll ship, the more will be the shipping price.
In addition, the cost of customs tariffs will also add up. The customs tax and duty on imports are also periodically changing. So, make sure to contact the Swaziland Embassy in the US or your shipping company for more information.
Customs tax & duty: Swaziland, South Africa
Imports of goods and vehicles from non-SACU countries are liable to certain taxes & duties. Imported and used cars are subject to a 14% VAT depending on their total value. Furthermore, the customs duty ranges from 0 to 40% based on the CIF value of the vehicle.
Requirements for Car Shipping To Swaziland, South Africa
Before shipping cars to Swaziland, South Africa, you must follow specific steps to prepare your vehicle. For instance:
- Make sure your car is functional by taking it for a thorough check with your mechanic.
- Clean your car properly from inside and out. Don’t place anything inside it except for a spare tire or car jack if you send it through RoRo.
- Empty your vehicle’s fuel tank until only 1/4th of gas is left. Also, remove gas from the air conditioner.
- Choose a shipping company that is highly regarded.
- Ask the shipping company for certification after their agent inspects scratches or dents on your car if there are any.
Restrictions for Car Shipping To Swaziland South Africa
Like other countries, there are some restrictions on importing cars in Swaziland. The customs only allow the import of one vehicle per family. Also, cars older than 15 years from the manufacturing date are not allowed to enter the country.
Documentation requirement
Your documentation should be absolute when shipping cars to Swaziland South Africa. There is no chance of wrong or old information as customs laws in Swaziland are quite strict.
In case of wrong information, you may incur a heavy penalty and, in some cases, five years in jail. Your shipping company will guide you on the documentation process. You need to produce the below standard documents:
- Proof of Ownership
- ID and Passport.
- Driver’s License.
- Bill of Sale.
- Bill of Lading.
- A permit from the lien holder if applicable.
- Insurance Certificate.
- Registration Card.
- Import Certificate.
- Tax clearance certificate.
- Work Permit for Non-Residents.
- Police Clearance.
- Form 304A.
Factors that can affect Car Shipping To Swaziland, South Africa
Before shipping cars to Swaziland, South Africa, you must plan your shipping budget by considering the factors affecting the shipping cost. The overall shipping cost can vary due to these factors.
Shipping method
When it comes to shipping cars to Swaziland, South Africa, there are two primary methods that shipping companies usually adopt. One is RoRo, and the other one is container shipping.
RoRo is typically the most efficient and cost-effective method of shipping. It also costs less than container shipping.
Type of vehicle
The weight and dimensions of a vehicle you are shipping are also essential factors influencing the shipping cost. Heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, or SUVs will cost you more as the shipping company will charge them based on their weight. The shipping cost of lighter cars is usually based on CBM.
Shipping distance
Distance is a vital part of shipping costs. The more the distance between origin and destination port, the more will be the shipping price.
In the case of Swaziland, the shipping price will also include the land transportation cost as it is a landlocked country. The rent of warehouses and transport from other South African ports to Mbabane can increase the shipping costs.
Door-to-port
The final cost of shipping also equates to the pick-up location. You may not be able to drop off your car at the origin port. In that case, you have to arrange door-to-port transportation that can increase the overall shipping cost.
AFL also offers door-to-port services for your convenience. With a little increase in shipping cost, you can avoid the trouble of arranging multiple transportation modes and logistics hassles.
How to find the right shipping company for Car Shipping To Swaziland, South Africa?
Shipping cars to Swaziland, South Africa, doesn’t have to be troublesome with the right shipping company. Whether to provide a safe and secure passage for your cargo, handling documentation, or the customs clearance process, AFL ticks all the right boxes.
We strive to provide a pleasant shipping experience for our clients. Our team believes in simplifying the shipping process through open communication, transparent pricing, and personalized solutions. The services we offer include:
Personalized shipping solution
We have experience in shipping to major destinations worldwide. Be it vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, or other items, we will help you choose a suitable shipping method. We give priority to what you require.
Our company understands that every client has different shipping requirements. That’s why we offer personalized solutions depending on your shipping needs. Our rates are competitive, and there are no hidden or upfront costs. You’ll pay only when we deliver your vehicle to your desired location.
Processing services
Besides the transportation process, the customs clearance in Swaziland also takes several days. There are various kinds of tariffs depending on what you are shipping. The customs laws are also subject to change. This can become frustrating if you are unaware of the rules & regulations of Swaziland. That’s where AFL can come to your rescue.
We will assist you in collecting all the necessary information for your paperwork. Moreover, our agents in Swaziland will make sure to clear your vehicle & other goods without unnecessary delay.
Door-to-port services
If you are not finding time in your hectic schedule to drop your car at the origin port in the US. Our auto transport haulers can pick up the vehicle from your house and drop it off at the port.
We can also arrange land transportation in Swaziland to drop your car at your desired location from the destination port for a smooth shipping experience.
FAQs
How much time will it take to ship cars to Swaziland, South Africa?
Your car will take around 3-6 weeks to reach Swaziland. Also, allow some additional time for customs clearance and land transportation.
Can I ship more than one car to Swaziland?
Swaziland customs laws do not allow the import of more than one vehicle per family. You also need to declare that you’ve used the car for more than one year.
Conclusion
Car Shipping to Swaziland, South Africa, can be complicated due to extensive requirements and lengthy paperwork and customs clearance processes. Also, various factors can affect the shipping price, so book your shipment at least 72 days before. Hire an experienced, well-reputed shipping company that can guide you every step of the way and take care of the complications by themselves.