The total cost of a car from Japan has three parts: our price (the car and shipping to your port), your government’s duty and taxes, and clearing at your port. We only control the first part, so we never quote the other two. Use this checklist to make sure nothing is missing from your budget, then check the official calculator for your country.
1. Our price (Autocom invoice)
- The price of the car itself in Japan (FOB price).
- Moving the car from the auction or yard to the Japanese port.
- Export deregistration, Export Certificate and Japanese customs clearance.
- Some countries require an inspection in Japan. Ask our office whether your quote includes it.
- Shipping to your port. Included when you buy C&F or CIF.
- Insurance during the sea voyage. Included only when you buy CIF.
2. Your government
- Customs duty. Usually depends on vehicle value, engine size, type and sometimes age.
- Extra tax on vehicles in many countries; some add more for older cars.
- Value added tax (or GCT/sales tax), usually charged on value plus duties.
- Names vary by country. Check your tax authority's page or calculator below.
3. At your port
- A licensed clearing agent or customs broker files your declaration and collects documents.
- Handling and wharfage charges by the port or terminal operator.
- Charged when the car stays at port after the free period. Clear quickly.
- Getting the car from the port to your town or across the border.
- Local registration, number plates and any first-registration taxes or fees.
- Motor insurance required before you drive on public roads.
What your government charges are called
Names only — the amounts depend on the car and change often, so we never quote them.
| Country | Charges |
|---|---|
| Kenya | Import Duty · Excise Duty · VAT · Import Declaration Fee (IDF) · Railway Development Levy (RDL) (official page) |
| Tanzania | Import duty · Excise duty (with extra excise for older vehicles) · VAT · At first registration: registration tax, motor vehicle licence fee, HIV Response Levy (official page) |
| Uganda | Import duty · VAT · Environmental levy (age-based) (official page) |
| Zambia | Specific duty on used motor vehicles (by age band, body type and engine size) (official page) |
| Zimbabwe | Customs duty · Surtax (on some older passenger vehicles) · VAT (official page) |
| Jamaica | Import duty · Special Consumption Tax (SCT) · Customs Administrative Fee (CAF) (official page) |
| Guyana | Customs duty · Excise tax · VAT (official page) |
Official calculators and tax authorities
- Kenya: KRA: Procedures and taxes for importing a motor vehicle
- Tanzania: TRA: Used motor vehicle valuation calculator
- Tanzania: TRA: Motor vehicle registration fees and levies
- Uganda: URA: Uganda Revenue Authority
- Zambia: ZRA: Zambia Revenue Authority (Import a vehicle section)
- Zimbabwe: ZIMRA: Importation of motor vehicles by private individuals
- Zimbabwe: ZIMRA: How duty on private motor vehicles is calculated
- Malawi: MRA: Malawi Revenue Authority
- Jamaica: Jamaica Customs Agency: What's My Duty estimator
- Jamaica: Jamaica Customs Agency: Motor vehicle processing
- Guyana: GRA: Motor vehicle duty/tax calculation guide
- Trinidad and Tobago: Ministry of Finance, Customs and Excise: Importing and exporting
- Trinidad and Tobago: Trade Licence Unit: licence to import a used vehicle
Duties and fees change. Always confirm with your tax authority or a licensed clearing agent before you buy.
Read more: FOB, C&F and CIF explained.