NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 357
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2 SEPTEMBER 2011
Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:
Whether the Government has any systems in place to compel (a) importers of
second hand motor vehicles to obtain police clearance certificates in
respect of each vehicle from the point of origin and (b) exporters of
second hand vehicles from South Africa to have police clearance
certificates from (i) South Africa and (ii) the country of origin prior to
shipment; if not, why not; if so, what are the (aa) outcomes of
implementing such systems and (bb) further relevant details? CW454E
REPLY
(a) The importation of all used and second hand vehicles is subject to
import control measures in terms of the provisions of the
International Trade Administration Act (ITA Act, No. 71 of 2002).
Import permits for the importation of used and second hand vehicles
are issued only in specifically defined circumstances, such as for
bona fide immigrants; returning residents and nationals; adapted
vehicles for the physically disabled and collectors vehicles. To
qualify for an import permit, a prospective importer must meet the
policy criteria and also submit certain documentary evidence such as
inter alia the vehicle registration certificate and a certified copy
of the importersâ identification document.
A police clearance certificate is not required at the point of entry
for imports into South Africa. ITAC operates on the basis that a
clearance certificate would normally be applicable at the point of
origin where the vehicle is registered prior to its export to South
Africa
(b)(i) The exportation of used and second hand motor vehicles is subject to
export control measures in terms of the provisions of the ITA Act.
Prospective exporters of used and second hand vehicles (excluding
diplomatic and foreign representatives) must apply to ITAC for export
permits and meet the documentary requirements of inter alia submitting
a police clearance certificate to the effect that the vehicle to be
exported, is not reported stolen in South Africa.
(ii) As indicated above, foreign legally imported second hand and
used vehicles must be registered in SA after importation. On
exportation, such vehicles are once again subject to the requirement
of providing a police clearance certificate.
It may be necessary to review the existing system based on feedback from
affected parties. I have requested the Department to consult with the
industry bodies regarding their views and would welcome views from members
of Parliament and the wider public.