Import regulations

Importing a vehicle from Japan can be a great way to get a high-quality motor vehicle at a good price, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, research the make and model of the vehicle to ensure that it meets your needs and will comply with your country’s regulations. Check for any known issues with the vehicle, and consider having a professional inspection done before purchasing. Second, find a reputable exporter that has experience with your country’s import regulations. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, and consider working with an exporter that has a track record of successful transactions. Finally, be sure to factor in additional costs such as shipping, import duties, and taxes, which can significantly increase the overall cost of the vehicle. With proper research and planning, importing a vehicle from Japan can be a great way to get a high-quality car at a good price.
As your trusted automotive dealership, Japan Wheels is here to help you every step of the way when it comes to importing a vehicle from Japan. We have extensive experience in importing and exporting vehicles, and we can help you navigate the process from start to finish. You can rely on us to handle all the paperwork, customs clearance, and transportation logistics, so you can focus on finding the perfect car for you. Our team of experts will ensure that the entire process is hassle-free, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. With Japan Wheels, you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible service and quality vehicles. Just choose the car that’s right for you, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Every country has its own specific rules with regards to vehicle imports including commercial vehicles or luxury cars. Please check with the proper authorities about the rules in your country before ordering.

Please find regulations on imports for some of the countries listed below;

1. Australia: Australian import regulations vary depending on the age of the vehicle and the country of origin. Generally, vehicles must meet certain safety and environmental standards and pass a compliance check before they can be registered for use on Australian roads.
2. New Zealand: To import a vehicle into New Zealand, you will need to apply for a Border Inspection and meet certain standards related to emissions, safety, and noise. You will also need to pay a range of fees and taxes, including a Goods and Services Tax (GST) and an Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF).
3. United Kingdom: Vehicles imported into the UK must meet certain standards related to emissions, safety, and roadworthiness. You will also need to pay import duties and value-added tax (VAT) on the value of the vehicle.
4. India: To import a vehicle into India, you will need to obtain an import license and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
5. Singapore: To import a vehicle into Singapore, you must obtain an approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and meet certain emissions, safety, and roadworthiness standards. You will also need to pay various taxes and fees, including customs duties, excise duty, and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
6. Sri Lanka: To import a vehicle into Sri Lanka, you must obtain an import permit from the Controller of Imports and Exports and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
7. South Africa: Vehicles imported into South Africa must meet certain safety and emissions standards and be homologated by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). You will also need to pay customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) on the value of the vehicle.
8. Pakistan: To import a vehicle into Pakistan, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
9. Malaysia: To import a vehicle into Malaysia, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain safety and emissions standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, excise duty, and sales tax on the value of the vehicle.
10. Bangladesh: To import a vehicle into Bangladesh, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain safety and emissions standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
11. Fiji: To import a vehicle into Fiji, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, excise duty, and Value Added Tax (VAT) on the value of the vehicle.
12. Hong Kong: To import a vehicle into Hong Kong, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay First Registration Tax (FRT) on the value of the vehicle.
13. Ireland: Vehicles imported into Ireland must meet certain safety and emissions standards and be registered with the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). You will also need to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on the value of the vehicle.
14. Jamaica: To import a vehicle into Jamaica, you must obtain an import license and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, General Consumption Tax (GCT), and Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on the value of the vehicle.
15. Mauritius: To import a vehicle into Mauritius, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Registration Duty on the value of the vehicle.
16. Pakistan: To import a vehicle into Pakistan, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
17. Thailand: To import a vehicle into Thailand, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, excise tax, and Value Added Tax (VAT) on the value of the vehicle.
18. Uganda: To import a vehicle into Uganda, you must obtain an import license and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
19. Zimbabwe: To import a vehicle into Zimbabwe, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
20. Cyprus: To import a vehicle into Cyprus, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Registration Duty on the value of the vehicle.
21. India: To import a vehicle into India, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, which can be quite high.
22. Indonesia: To import a vehicle into Indonesia, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes, which can be quite high.
23. Malta: To import a vehicle into Malta, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Registration Tax on the value of the vehicle.
24. Thailand: To import a vehicle into Thailand, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, excise tax, and Value Added Tax (VAT) on the value of the vehicle.
25. Ireland: To import a vehicle into Ireland, you must obtain an import permit and meet certain emissions and safety standards. You will also need to pay customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on the value of the vehicle.
26. Bahamas: To import a vehicle into the Bahamas, you will need to obtain an import license from the Trade Unit of the Ministry of Finance. You will also need to pay customs duties and other taxes on the value of the vehicle.
27. Barbados: To import a vehicle into Barbados, you will need to obtain an import license from the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development. You will also need to meet certain emissions and safety standards and pay customs duties and other taxes on the value of the vehicle.
28. Jamaica: To import a vehicle into Jamaica, you will need to obtain an import license from the Trade Board. You will also need to meet certain emissions and safety standards and pay customs duties and other taxes on the value of the vehicle.
29. Trinidad and Tobago: To import a vehicle into Trinidad and Tobago, you will need to obtain an import license from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. You will also need to meet certain emissions and safety standards and pay customs duties and other taxes on the value of the vehicle.
30. Dominican Republic: To import a vehicle into the Dominican Republic, you will need to obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. You will also need to meet certain emissions and safety standards and pay customs duties and other taxes on the value of the vehicle.
31. Saint Lucia: To import a vehicle into Saint Lucia, you will need to obtain an import license from the Ministry of Commerce. You will also need to meet certain emissions and safety standards and pay customs duties and other taxes on the value of the vehicle.
32. Canada: To import a Japanese vehicle into Canada, you will need to ensure that the vehicle meets Canadian standards for safety and emissions. You will also need to pay customs duties and taxes on the value of the vehicle. The import process can be complex, so it’s recommended to work with an experienced importer to ensure compliance with regulations.
33.  United States of America: To import a Japanese vehicle into the United States, it must comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety standards. Import duties and taxes will need to be paid based on the value of the vehicle, and you will need to obtain the necessary paperwork, including a customs declaration form, an EPA emissions compliance form, and an NHTSA safety compliance form. It’s recommended to work with an experienced importer to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
34. Kenya: The age limit for imported vehicles in Kenya is eight years old, and vehicles over this age cannot be imported. Import duties and taxes are also high in Kenya, and the process can be time-consuming, with several steps required to complete the importation process.
35. Tanzania: Tanzania has an age limit of 10 years for imported vehicles, and only left-hand drive vehicles are allowed. Vehicles over a certain age or in poor condition are not allowed to be imported, and import duties and taxes can be high.
36. Uganda: Uganda allows the importation of vehicles that are eight years old or less, and vehicles over this age cannot be imported. Import duties and taxes are also high in Uganda, and there are strict regulations regarding the condition and safety of imported vehicles.
37. Nigeria: Nigeria allows the importation of vehicles that are less than 15 years old, and vehicles over this age cannot be imported. Import duties and taxes can be high in Nigeria, and there are strict regulations regarding the condition and safety of imported vehicles.
38. Botswana: Botswana requires that imported vehicles are less than five years old and meet certain safety and emissions standards. Import duties and taxes are high, and a roadworthiness inspection certificate is required for all imported vehicles prior to registration. It’s important to work with an experienced exporter and factor in all associated costs when importing a vehicle to Botswana.
39. Argentina: Imported vehicles must be less than three years old and have less than 100,000 km on the odometer. Import duties can be as high as 35% of the vehicle’s value. Vehicles must meet certain safety and emissions standards, and have a certificate of compliance. 
40. Peru: Imported vehicles must be less than five years old and have less than 80,000 km on the odometer. Vehicles must meet certain safety and emissions standards, and have a certificate of conformity. Import duties range from 0-20% of the vehicle’s value, depending on the engine size and fuel type.
41. Chile: Imported vehicles must be less than five years old and have less than 80,000 km on the odometer. Vehicles must meet certain safety and emissions standards, and have a certificate of conformity. Import duties range from 6-12% of the vehicle’s value.
42. Brazil: Imported vehicles must meet certain safety and emissions standards, including airbag and electronic stability control systems. Import duties can be quite high, often ranging from 35-50% of the vehicle’s value. Vehicles must also undergo a roadworthiness inspection and have a certificate of conformity.
43. Columbia: Imported vehicles must be less than 10 years old and have less than 100,000 km on the odometer. Vehicles must meet certain safety and emissions standards, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control systems. Import duties can be quite high, often ranging from 35-50% of the vehicle’s value. Vehicles must also undergo a technical inspection and have a certificate of conformity.