Namibia tightens used car import rules, bans vehicles older than 12 years

The Namibian government has announced new restrictions on the importation of second-hand motor vehicles older than 12 years.

According to the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the importation of used vehicles older than 12 years from outside the Common Customs Area (CCA) , which includes Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa, is now prohibited.

The measure, according to the ministry, aims to regulate the influx of ageing vehicles into the country and align Namibia’s import policy with regional standards.

The restriction applies to all categories of second-hand passenger and light commercial vehicles and this includes most cars, station wagons, double-cab pickups and small trucks primarily designed for transporting people or goods.

Vehicles falling under these categories will not be allowed entry into Namibia if they are more than 12 years old from the date of manufacture, except for those imported within the CCA for less than two years prior to entry.

The ministry has clarified that the prohibition does not apply to specific categories of vehicles, such as special-purpose vehicles – including cranes, fire engines, ambulances, mobile clinics and television broadcasting units – as well as certain chassis fitted with engines.

The ministry says the official point of entry for all second-hand motor vehicles imported into Namibia remains Walvis Bay, where compliance inspections will be conducted. Deputy director for trade promotion Salutus Kapenda says the measure forms part of efforts to regulate vehicle standards and improve road safety.

“This policy aims to reduce the inflow of old, unsafe vehicles into Namibia while ensuring that imports meet regional environmental and technical requirements.”

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