South Africa allows some vehicle export kits to omit lead-acid batteries

Saturday 7th November 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

South Africa has changed its customs rules to let some vehicle kits made in the country for assembly abroad be exported without lead-acid batteries. The amendment, signed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, was published on 6 November and took effect that day.

The change applies to original-equipment components for specified vehicles under the second phase of the Automotive Production and Development Programme. The customs notice says the minimum kit must contain a painted body without trim or parts fitted to it. That allows vehicles to be finished in the destination country.

The programme’s June 2026 regulations set out a condition for leaving out the battery. Manufacturers must be able to show that lead-acid batteries are produced locally in the market receiving the kit. The regulations apply the rule to specified vehicles manufactured in licensed special manufacturing warehouses in South Africa.

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