Import guides › Japan

Importing a car from Japan to Irelandchecked November 2026

Japanese-built cars can now come in without customs duty under the EU–Japan trade agreement. You pay import VAT and VRT, and need the right Japanese paperwork.

What you pay

Customs duty

0% for Japanese-built cars from 2026 under the EU–Japan EPA, if you claim preference: a statement on origin from the Japanese exporter on the invoice, or records from the exporter or maker (“importer’s knowledge”). Without proof, or for a non-Japanese car bought in Japan, 10%.

Import VAT

23% of the customs value: price, shipping and insurance to Ireland, plus any duty.

VRT

Percentage of the Irish Open Market Selling Price by CO₂ band, plus the NOx levy. Without NOx proof Revenue charges the maximum levy (€600 petrol, €4,850 diesel).

CO₂ and NOx proof

The Japanese Export Certificate plus CO₂ and NOx confirmation from Japan’s transport ministry (MLIT), with certified English translations. Weight and description must match the car.

Worked examples

Estimates on current rules, registered in Ireland

2018 Toyota Prius

70,000 km, bought in 🇯🇵 Japan for €7,000

Car€7,000

Transport€1,500

Import VAT€1,955

VRT€995

Registration, inspection, plates€350

On the road in Ireland€11,800

Change the numbers in the calculator →

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

90,000 km, bought in 🇯🇵 Japan for €15,000

Car€15,000

Transport€1,500

Import VAT€3,795

VRT€5,575

Registration, inspection, plates€350

On the road in Ireland€26,220

Change the numbers in the calculator →

Step by step

Choose an exporter. Buy through an auction agent or exporter who will put a statement on origin on the invoice and supply the export certificate. Ask for auction sheets and mileage history.
Work out the cost. Shipping by sea takes weeks; add it to the price before VAT. Use the calculator below.
Clear customs at the port. Lodge the import declaration (most people use a customs agent or the shipper), claim 0% duty with the origin statement, and pay import VAT. Keep the MRN.
Book the NCTS. Book within 7 days of the car landing, register within 30 days.
Register and pay VRT. The NCTS keeps the Japanese de-registration certificate, so copy it first. Fit Irish plates within 3 days and tax the car.

Documents for the VRT appointment

Japanese Export Certificate or de-registration certificate
MLIT CO₂ and NOx confirmation, translated
Customs declaration with MRN
Invoice with the statement on origin
Passport or driving licence
PPS number with proof
Proof of Irish address
Form VRTVPD2
Shipping documents showing the arrival date

Every document is compulsory and originals are usually required; a missing one means a second appointment at your expense. A tyre charge of €2.80 per tyre (including the spare) applies at first registration.

Cars that are cheaper from Japan

From 320 ads we track there

No model in our data is clearly cheaper from Japan right now. See which countries are →

Search cars in Japan →

Sources

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Revenue sets the exact VRT at registration; rules can change. Checked November 2026.