Guide to Buying a Car in Zambia
Buying a car in Zambia? Whether new or used — here's everything about import duties, registration, insurance, and which models are best for Zambian roads.
A complete guide to buying a car in Zambia — import duties, costs, and best models
Total Cost of Ownership
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% of CIF value |
| Excise Duty | 20 – 30% |
| VAT | 16% of (CIF + duty + excise) |
| RTSA Registration | ZMK 500 – 1,500 |
| Road Tax | ZMK 250 – 400/yr |
| Insurance (3rd Party) | ZMK 800 – 1,500/yr |
| Insurance (Comprehensive) | ZMK 3,000 – 8,000/yr |
| Fitness Test | ZMK 150 – 300 |
Best Models for Zambia
Toyota Hilux
Most popular pickup in Zambia. Reliable, great resale, parts everywhere.
ZMK 250,000 – 650,000
Toyota RAV4
Compact SUV ideal for Lusaka roads. Fuel efficient, reliable.
ZMK 180,000 – 450,000
Nissan NP300
Affordable pickup workhorse. Lower price than Hilux, still reliable.
ZMK 180,000 – 380,000
Toyota Corolla (Used)
Best sedan value. Japanese imports from 2015+ offer excellent reliability.
ZMK 80,000 – 180,000
New vs Used vs Import
- New (dealer) — Full warranty, highest price. Available from Toyota Zambia, Nissan, CFAO.
- Used (local) — Check at Arcades car market or online (zambiandeal.com). Always inspect.
- Used (import from Japan) — Popular option. Use agents in Lusaka. Budget 40-60% extra for duties and clearing.
Import Age Limit
Zambia allows used vehicles up to 5 years old (from date of manufacture). Vehicles older than 5 years may be rejected at the border or face additional levies.
Duty rates from ZRA Customs. Prices from Toyota Zambia, CFAO, and BE Forward. Updated March 2026. Rates subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to import a car to Zambia?
Total import costs (duties + taxes + clearing) typically add 50-80% on top of the vehicle purchase price. For a car costing USD 5,000 (approx ZMK 135,000), expect to pay ZMK 70,000-110,000 in duties, VAT, and clearing charges. Import duty is 25% of CIF value, excise duty is 20-30% (based on engine size), plus 16% VAT on the total. Use a licensed clearing agent in Lusaka or at Nakonde/Kasumbalesa border posts.
What is the age limit for importing cars to Zambia?
Zambia allows used vehicles up to 5 years old from the date of manufacture. For example, in 2026, you can import vehicles manufactured from 2021 onwards. Vehicles older than 5 years may be rejected at the border or face additional environmental levies. Exceptions exist for classic/vintage vehicles (25+ years old) and specialized vehicles. Always verify the manufacturing date — model year and manufacturing date can differ.
Should I buy a new car or used import in Zambia?
Used imports from Japan (2-3 years old) offer the best value — typically 40-50% cheaper than dealer-new equivalents. A 2023 Toyota RAV4 from Japan costs ZMK 200,000-300,000 all-in, vs ZMK 400,000-500,000 new from Toyota Zambia. New car advantages: full warranty (3-5 years), 0% financing options from some dealers. Used import risks: potential hidden damage, no warranty, and clearing agent trust issues. Always inspect before payment.
Where can I buy a car in Zambia?
New: Toyota Zambia (largest dealer network), CFAO Zambia (Nissan, Suzuki), Southern Cross Motors (Ford, VW). Used local: Arcades car park (largest open-air market), Kabwata Auto Market, AutoMart Zambia (online). Used imports: Japanese auction sites (BE Forward, SBT Japan, Autocom Japan) through local clearing agents. Always verify RTSA registration status for local used cars and IMEI/chassis number for imports.
What are the running costs of a car in Zambia?
Monthly running costs for a mid-size car in Lusaka: fuel ZMK 800-1,500 (petrol at ZMK 28-30/litre, ~60 litres/month), insurance ZMK 250-700/month, maintenance/servicing ZMK 200-500/month average, parking ZMK 100-300/month. Annual costs: road tax ZMK 250-400, fitness test ZMK 150-300, comprehensive insurance ZMK 3,000-8,000. Total: roughly ZMK 2,000-3,500/month depending on usage and vehicle type.