Zambia has no age ban on imported used cars, but every car from Japan must pass a compulsory roadworthiness inspection for the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) before shipping. The car then lands at a neighbouring port, travels by road to Zambia, and is cleared by ZRA and registered with RTSA.
Key takeaways
- No age ban, but ZRA’s duty on used cars depends on the car’s age band, body type and engine size.
- A pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection under standard ZS 560 is compulsory, done in Japan by a ZCSA-appointed agent.
- Zambia has no sea port: cars commonly come through Dar es Salaam, Durban or Walvis Bay.
- Use ZRA’s official information or a licensed clearing agent to estimate duty before you buy.
1. Understand the age rule: no ban
Zambia does not ban used cars by age. You can import an older car, but age still affects what you pay.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) charges a specific duty on used motor vehicles that depends on the car’s age band, body type and engine size. We don’t quote the amounts, because they are set by ZRA and can change. Check the current used-vehicle duty schedule on the ZRA website or ask a licensed clearing agent.
Because age and engine size both change the duty, compare the total landed cost of a few cars, not only their price in Japan.
2. Choose the right car
Choose a right-hand-drive car suited to Zambian roads with good local parts supply. Zambia drives on the left and right-hand-drive cars are the norm; if you are considering a left-hand-drive car, check with RTSA or your clearing agent first.
Popular Japanese choices in Zambia include the Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser and Corolla, the Nissan X-Trail and March, the Mazda Demio, and the Honda Fit and CR-V. For rough roads, see 4-wheel drive vs 2-wheel drive.
Before you decide, read the auction sheet for grade, mileage and repairs. Our auction sheet guide explains the codes.
You can browse our current stock and ask your sales representative to confirm the exact date of manufacture and first registration of any car.
3. Pay safely
Pay only by bank transfer to an account in Japan in the name of “Autocom Japan Inc.”. Autocom sells for full payment only.
The official list of accounts is on our bank accounts page. We never ask you to pay a local agent, a local account or a money-transfer service. If an invoice names any other beneficiary, do not pay it. See how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan.
4. Compulsory roadworthiness inspection (ZCSA, ZS 560)
Every used car shipped to Zambia from Japan must pass a compulsory roadworthiness inspection before it leaves. The requirement comes from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) under Zambian Standard ZS 560, the code of practice for inspecting used motor vehicles.
The inspection is done in Japan by ZCSA-appointed agents. It checks the car’s roadworthiness before it is shipped.
According to ZCSA, a car exported to Zambia without this inspection incurs a penalty that depends on the vehicle’s size. When you buy from us, the inspection is arranged in Japan before the car is shipped.
5. Shipping routes to Zambia
Zambia is landlocked, so cars are shipped to a port in a neighbouring country and then driven or trucked in. Common routes are:
- Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), entering Zambia at Nakonde.
- Durban (South Africa), entering at Chirundu.
- Walvis Bay (Namibia), also used by some importers.
The right route depends on where you live in Zambia and on current sailings. Sailing and road transit times vary, so ask your sales representative for the current schedule for your route. See also Ro-Ro vs container shipping and FOB, C&F and CIF explained.
6. Prepare your documents
Your clearing agent needs:
- Original bill of lading from the shipping line.
- Commercial invoice from the exporter.
- Japanese Export Certificate. See the Japan Export Certificate explained.
- Roadworthiness inspection certificate from the ZCSA-appointed agent.
- ZRA TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and your ID.
Transit through Tanzania, South Africa or Namibia needs its own transit papers, which your clearing agent arranges.
7. Clearing and paying duty with ZRA
A licensed clearing agent lodges the customs declaration with ZRA (through the ASYCUDA system), ZRA assesses duty and taxes, you pay them, and the car is released.
The amount depends on the car’s age band, body type and engine size, plus other taxes. Rates change, so we don’t quote them; check with ZRA or your clearing agent before you pay for the car.
It helps to think of the landed cost in three parts: our price (the car plus shipping to the port), which is the only part we control; the duty and taxes your government charges; and clearing and transit charges, plus transport home. Our landed cost checklist lists every item.
8. Register the car with RTSA
After customs clearance, the car is registered with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), which may inspect it before issuing Zambian number plates. Arrange motor insurance before you drive.
Our guide on registering a Japanese import in Africa covers the steps in more detail. For all Zambia rules in one place, visit the Zambia import rules hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for importing cars into Zambia?
No, there is no age ban. The car’s age band still affects the duty ZRA charges, along with body type and engine size.
Who inspects cars for Zambia in Japan?
A ZCSA-appointed inspection agent carries out the compulsory roadworthiness inspection under ZS 560.
What happens if the car is shipped without the inspection?
ZCSA says a penalty applies, depending on the vehicle’s size. Always make sure the inspection is done in Japan before the car sails.
Which port should I choose for Zambia?
Dar es Salaam, Durban and Walvis Bay are all used. Ask your clearing agent which route suits your town, and ask us for current sailings.
Sources
- ZCSA: Clearance of imported used vehicles (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
- Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
- Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
