Yes, you can import a used car from Japan to Uganda if it is less than 15 years old, counted from the year of manufacture. The car must pass a UNBS pre-export inspection in Japan, and most cars reach Uganda by road after landing at Mombasa.
Autocom Japan has exported 900,000+ cars to 100+ countries. We help you find a car inside the age limit, confirm its year of manufacture before you pay, and arrange the inspection and export documents in Japan.
Vehicles 15 years or older, counted from the year of manufacture, cannot be imported (Traffic and Road Safety Act, Cap. 347, s.15). A 2026 bill to cut the limit to 13 years was withdrawn on 21 April 2026, so 15 years still applies.
Motor vehicles imported into Uganda; older vehicles below the limit also pay an age-based environmental levy.
Will my car be allowed into Uganda?
UNBS requires a pre-export inspection under standard US 845:2017. In Japan it is done by a UNBS-appointed inspection company (EAA Co., Ltd.).
We never quote government duty or tax — it depends on the car and changes often. Use the official pages below or ask a licensed clearing agent.
The car must be less than 15 years old, counted from the year of manufacture. A plan to cut it to 13 years was withdrawn in April 2026.
No. Uganda buyers deal directly with our team in Japan, and pay only by bank transfer to an account in Japan in the name of Autocom Japan Inc.
Most cars land at Mombasa and travel by road through Malaba or Busia; some go via Dar es Salaam. Ask us for the current schedule for your route.
URA has an official motor vehicle tax calculator on its website. Tax depends on the car's value, engine size and age.
Rules change. We checked these rules on 1 October 2026. Always confirm with our office before you pay.
