Importing to Lesotho
Importing a vehicle into Lesotho requires LRA clearance with applicable customs duty and VAT.
Required Documents
- Original Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Title & Registration
- Purchase Invoice
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Vehicle Evaluation Report
- LRA Customs Declaration
Delivery & Timeline
Vehicles are dispatched from Durban port via licensed car carrier trucks. Estimated delivery timelines:
- Documentation prep: 2–5 days
- Overland transport: 2–6 days
- Customs clearance: 3–14 days
Total: approximately 1–3 weeks from payment to delivery.
Duty Calculator
Use our Import Cost Calculator to get a full breakdown of customs duties, VAT, excise taxes, and transport costs for Lesotho.
Calculate Import CostsCountry Snapshot — Costs & Key Facts
Customs Duty
0% (SACU) or 18–25% (non-SACU)
VAT
15%
Excise / Surtax
None on SACU-origin vehicles
Land Transport
USD 200–400
Currency
LSL (Loti) / ZAR
- Duty-free via Durban (SACU route).
- No age restriction on used vehicles.
- Pre-delivery inspection mandatory before registration.
- Rebate 407.04 available for returning residents.
Guides for Lesotho
Lesotho Vehicle Import Duty 2025 — LRA Rates, VAT & Rebate 407.04
Complete guide to Lesotho vehicle import duties as a SACU member. Includes LRA rates, the 407.04 returning resident rebate, and the pre-delivery inspection requirement.
Lesotho Pre-Delivery Inspection Explained — What You Need Before Importing
Every used vehicle imported to Lesotho must pass a mandatory pre-delivery inspection. Learn what is checked, where it happens, and how to prepare.
Returning Resident to Lesotho? Claiming Rebate 407.04 for Duty-Free Import
Basotho returning from abroad can claim Rebate 407.04 for a significant duty reduction on their vehicle import. Full guide to eligibility and process.