With the rapid development of Chinese electric vehicle technology and its rapid rise in the global market, more and more companies and individuals in Africa are purchasing electric vehicles from China. Brands such as BYD, Geely, Chery, GWM, and Chang'an are gradually gaining ground in the African automotive market. The African continent is reaching a turning point in the adoption of new energy vehicles. Countries like Nigeria and South Africa have lowered import tariffs on pure electric vehicles to below 5%, and North African countries like Egypt have established fast-track customs clearance channels.
The African new energy vehicle market is expected to exceed 30,000 units by 2025. Chinese brands, with comprehensive charging solutions (such as dual-mode charging systems) and enhanced suspension designs, have already captured 60% of the local market share. Wancheng EV Car will provide an in-depth practical guide to the entire process of importing electric vehicles from China to Africa, covering logistics, customs declaration, policies, and compliance.
Before officially exporting, it is essential to thoroughly research the import regulations of African countries (such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana). Key points include:
Age and emission standard requirements: Many countries (such as Kenya) stipulate that imported vehicles must not be older than eight years and must possess a Pre-Export Certificate of Conformity (PVOC) and a Certificate of Conformity.
Tax structure: In South Africa, for example, the import tariff for electric vehicles is approximately 25%, while for gasoline vehicles it is approximately 18%.
Left-/right-hand drive regulations, road certification, and vehicle safety standards must all be confirmed in advance.
After negotiating prices with electric vehicle suppliers, it is crucial to select a reputable Chinese vehicle exporter with export qualifications, vehicle inspection reports, and battery electrical safety data sheets (MSDS). They can provide the following:
Commercial invoice, Certificate of Origin (COO)
Export customs declaration documents and vehicle technical files
For electric vehicles, battery safety documents (such as the MSDS) must also be provided for pre-review by the carrier and import customs.
Chinese automakers mainly use the following two shipping methods:
(1) Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off): This is the first choice for bulk exports. Vehicles can be loaded onto the ship, which is the lowest cost and suitable for vehicles with normal navigation capabilities. The transportation cycle from Shanghai and Shenzhen ports to African ports (such as Dar es Salaam, Lagos, and Durban) is usually 15-40 days, with a cost of approximately USD 3,500-4,500. The compatibility of the destination port's roll-on/roll-off equipment must be confirmed in advance.
(2) Container shipping (FPS or FCL/LCL) or full container shipping: Suitable for non-operating vehicles, attached parts or bulk shipping solutions. Up to 3-4 vehicles can be loaded into a 40′ container. It has better protection but is slightly more expensive. A 20-foot standard container can carry two compact electric vehicles (professional fixing brackets are required). The cost per container is approximately $4,500.
Also note the battery transportation regulations: a UN38.3 test report and short-circuit proof packaging are required, and the ocean freight insurance rate is 1.5% of the cargo value.
For first-time exporters, we recommend using the Port of Mombasa, Kenya, as a pilot port. This port has a Chinese Customs pre-inspection zone, which can shorten customs clearance time by 15 days.
Before entering an African port, an electronic cargo tracking document (ECTN/CTN/ACID, etc.) must be submitted five days in advance. This document is a prerequisite for customs clearance in many countries; failure to submit it can result in heavy fines or delays.
In addition, importers must prepare:
Bill of Lading Lading);
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, certificate of conformity (COC), roadworthiness certificate;
Import license (mandatory in some countries) and local agent information;
Key certification preparation
|
Certification Type |
Handling agency |
Validity |
cost |
|
SONCAP |
Nigerian Bureau of Standards |
1 year |
$2000/car model |
|
SABS |
South African Bureau of Standards |
2 years |
≈￥15,000 |
|
COC |
East African Community |
Single valid |
From $800 |
Customs clearance tips
Pre-declaration materials: Manifest data must be submitted 72 hours in advance, including 17 key parameters such as VIN number and battery capacity;
Tax optimization: Leveraging the China-Africa Free Trade Agreement, the certificate of origin can be exempted from 5% VAT;
Contingency plan: It is recommended to reserve 3% of the cargo value as a demurrage reserve (the average customs clearance time at the Port of Lagos is 5-7 working days);
Upon arrival at the destination port, the local customs clearance agent will assist with:
Payment of customs duties and VAT (based on vehicle value);
Obtaining road registration and certificate of conformity inspection;
Cooperating with targeted inspections, emissions testing, and safety inspections;
Also, since most African ports have inland dry ports, such as the Kenyan Inland Port and Ibadan in Nigeria, ICD, South Africa's CityDeep ICD, and others enable inland delivery, reducing costs and storage and transportation risks.
To build brand trust, exporters typically offer:
Battery system warranty, parts supply, and remote diagnostic services;
Local spare parts warehouse layout: Collaborate with local dealers and service centers to provide rapid parts delivery and technical maintenance support;
Technical Training: EV-specific training is provided to local maintenance personnel to ensure safe operation and customer satisfaction.
|
Link |
Key Takeaways |
|
Market compliance pre-screening |
Age limit, emission standards, left/right hand drive, certification |
|
Supply chain selection |
Export enterprise qualifications, battery safety documents, and test reports |
|
Shipping method |
RoRo ‑vs. container solutions: cost and safety balance |
|
ECTN reporting |
Declare at least 5 days in advance to avoid customs clearance delays or fines |
|
Customs Clearance & Registration |
Bill of lading, certificate of conformity, place of origin, tax payment, license registration |
|
Aftermarket support |
Warranty service, spare parts supply, technical training and maintenance network |
Chinese electric vehicle brands are gaining favor in the African market with their high cost-effectiveness and advanced technology, and are rapidly expanding into emerging markets in Africa. Thanks to professional logistics solutions, rigorous compliance reporting models, and comprehensive after-sales service systems, countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and Nigeria have quickly established solid sales and technical networks with China.
Through standardized import procedures and high-standard service delivery, Africa can smoothly and safely import electric vehicles from China, contributing to economic development and more affordable vehicle services.
