How to import a truck or car from the UK to Zambia: step by step
Updated 14 Oct 2026
Buying a vehicle in the UK and bringing it into Zambia has several stages: finding and checking the vehicle, paying the seller, exporting it from the UK, shipping it, clearing customs in Zambia and registering it. Doing it through a company that handles every stage keeps the cost and the paperwork under control. This is how the process works with UKAF Cargo.
1. Decide what you need
Start with the job the vehicle has to do and the budget for the whole journey, not just the purchase price. Shipping, import duty, taxes and clearing are added to the price of the vehicle, so ask for the full landed cost before you commit.
- Businesses and fleet operators: think about payload, axle configuration and whether parts and servicing are easy to get on your routes.
- Sole traders and owner-drivers: a vehicle you can keep running yourself, with a service history, is usually a safer buy than the cheapest one.
- Individuals buying a car: check the engine size and fuel type, which affect duty and running costs, and that the car meets Zambia's rules on age and registration.
2. Find the vehicle
Browse the stock on our website, or tell us what you are looking for and we source it from UK sellers. Every listing shows the year, mileage and specification. If you find a vehicle elsewhere in the UK, we can buy it on your behalf.
3. Have it inspected
A used vehicle is only as good as its condition, and you cannot see it from Zambia. We can arrange a mechanical inspection before you commit, and tell you what we find. We do not guarantee the condition, mileage history or title of any vehicle beyond what we state to you in writing, so the inspection is your chance to check.
4. Get a written quote
Before you pay anything, we give you a written quote covering the vehicle, shipping and customs clearing, and we tell you who the seller is. Import duty and taxes are paid by the buyer and are set by the Zambia Revenue Authority, so we give you an estimate and the final figure is what is charged on clearing.
5. Pay safely
Only ever pay into the official bank account shown on your written quote from us. We will never tell you our bank details have changed by message alone. If you get a message like that, confirm it with us on WhatsApp before you send any money.
6. Export, shipping and clearing
We buy the vehicle from the UK seller and handle the UK export paperwork, then arrange shipping to Zambia. Zambia is landlocked, so vehicles normally travel by sea to a port in the region and then by road. When the vehicle arrives we handle the customs clearing so it can be released to you. See our guides on shipping and on clearing for more detail.
7. Registration and handover
You are responsible for making sure the vehicle can be registered and used in Zambia. Ask us about a specific vehicle before you commit. We agree the handover with you in advance.
Common questions
- How long does it take to import a vehicle from the UK to Zambia?
- It depends on the vehicle, the shipping route and customs clearing, so there is no single answer. We give you an expected timeline with your written quote and keep you updated as the vehicle moves.
- Can I import a vehicle if I am an individual and not a company?
- Yes. We help businesses, sole traders, owner-drivers and individuals. Tell us what you want to buy and we will explain what is involved for you.
- Do you handle the whole process?
- Yes. UKAF Cargo buys the vehicle from the UK seller, can arrange an inspection, ships it to Zambia and handles the customs clearing, and gives every charge in writing before you pay.