Heavy equipment dealers in South Africa

The equipment market in South Africa

South Africa is the largest and most developed heavy equipment market in sub-Saharan Africa. Many manufacturers run their African operations from Johannesburg, and several South African dealers also support customers in neighbouring countries.

Mining is the biggest single driver: platinum-group metals, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome and gold, mainly in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Northern Cape. Mines need large haul trucks, excavators, loaders and drills, backed by a deep parts and service network.

Construction (roads, housing and municipal works), forestry and commercial farming make up much of the rest. South Africa also builds its own machines: Bell Equipment makes articulated dump trucks in Richards Bay.

Importing and registering equipment in South Africa

1. Ports

   Durban (the busiest for containers), Richards Bay (bulk and heavy cargo), Cape Town, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Ngqura.

2. Register as an importer

   Register with SARS (South African Revenue Service) before bringing in equipment. SARS also handles customs clearance.

3. Used machines need a permit

   Used or second-hand goods, including used machinery, need an import permit from ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission). Apply before the machine is shipped.

4. Registering for road use

   A machine driven on public roads must be registered and licensed. Imported machines are registered on eNaTIS at your local registering authority, with the SARS customs papers, a police (SAPS) clearance and a letter of authority from the NRCS. Machines wider or heavier than normal road limits also need an abnormal-load permit.