Importing a car from Japan to the EU
Japan is the home of JDM cars: low mileage, excellent condition and models never sold in Europe. Auction sheets describe every car in detail – but the cars are right-hand drive and the journey is long.
- Customs duty
- 10% of the CIF value (pickups 10–22%, motorcycles 6–8%, historic cars 0%)
- Import VAT
- 17–27% depending on the country of clearance
- Sailing time
- 27–48 days
- Local tax at registration
- none
Why buy here
Very good condition thanks to strict inspections (shaken), honest auction grading and unique sports and kei cars. Prices in yen are attractive.
Where to buy
USS is the largest auction network; others include TAA, CAA and JU. You buy through an exporter who translates the auction sheet and handles export deregistration.
Step by step
1 Buy the car
Win the auction or buy from a dealer. Auction fees depend on the price tier and title – the calculator applies the current schedule.
2 Transport to the export port
A truck takes the car from the yard to the port; non-runners need a forklift and winch, which costs extra.
3 Ocean freight
Shared container, exclusive container or RoRo. Sailing to the EU takes 27–48 days, plus loading and waiting for the vessel.
4 Customs clearance in the EU port
A customs agent files the declaration. You pay customs duty and import VAT in the country of the port – unless a company uses customs procedure 4200.
5 Delivery to your address
Car carrier, tow truck or driving on temporary plates – priced per kilometre from the port.
6 Inspection and registration
Technical inspection, translations and registration in the country where you live, plus any local registration tax.
Nearest ports of clearance
The calculator prices all EU ports door to door for your exact address and picks the cheapest.
Documents you need
Export certificate (deregistration), auction sheet and invoice, bill of lading, EU customs declaration, translations, inspection certificate.
Tip
Check whether your country restricts right-hand-drive cars and how the inspection treats them before you buy.
Questions & answers
How long does shipping from Japan take?
Via the Suez Canal about 27–48 days at sea depending on the EU port – Mediterranean ports are the fastest. Add the time for export documents.
Can I register a right-hand-drive car?
In most EU countries yes, sometimes with headlight adjustment. A few countries limit RHD cars for permanent registration – check your local rules before buying.
Which port is the cheapest for me?
It depends on your address, the import VAT of the port country and the sailing schedule. The calculator prices every EU port door to door and shows them from the cheapest.
Is the estimate binding?
No. It is based on current rates and price lists; customs and tax authorities decide the final amounts. The PDF report lists every rate and assumption so you can compare.
Calculate the exact cost for your car
Enter only your address – we propose the rest and price every port door to door.