Car imports from Japan
Importing a car from Japan to Ireland
C&L Declarations, an Irish customs brokerage, clears cars imported from Japan into Ireland: we file the import declaration, claim 0% duty under the EU-Japan trade agreement where the car qualifies, work out the VAT, and give you the declaration and MRN for your VRT appointment. We clear the car at whichever Irish port it lands, however it's shipped.
Talk to our team
Send us the invoice and the route. We reply the same working day.
WhatsApp or call: 086 846 1240
Email: service@cldeclarations.com
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
Do cars from Japan pay customs duty in Ireland?
Not if the car was made in Japan and you can prove it. Since 1 February 2026, Japanese-origin cars can come in at 0% duty under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Without proof, the rate is 10%. The 0% rate is claimed on the declaration and backed by a statement on origin from the Japanese exporter, or by records from the exporter or manufacturer. A car sold in Japan but built elsewhere doesn't get this rate.
How much VAT is due on a car from Japan?
Import VAT is 23%, charged on the car's customs value plus any duty. The customs value is the price plus shipping and insurance to the EU, converted to euro at Revenue's customs exchange rate for the month. VAT is paid through the declaration before the car is released. We can pay it for you through our Revenue account.
What documents do you need for a car from Japan?
✓ Purchase or auction invoice Showing the price, the date and the currency.
✓ Japanese export certificate The de-registration certificate. The NCTS keeps it, so make a copy.
✓ Bill of lading Plus the shipping and insurance costs.
✓ Statement on origin From the exporter, if you want the 0% duty rate.
✓ CO2 and NOx figures From the manufacturer or the Japanese authorities, with an English translation.
✓ Ship and arrival details Vessel or container, port and expected date.
✓ No ID in the first message We ask for personal details only when you go ahead.
Why do the CO2 and NOx figures matter?
Because VRT depends on them. If a car's CO2 figure isn't backed by acceptable evidence, Revenue applies the highest VRT rate, 41%, and a missing NOx figure brings the maximum NOx charge. For a Japanese car, the evidence can come from the manufacturer or the Japanese authorities, with an English translation. Ask your exporter for it before the car ships.
How does a Japan import work with C&L?
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Before it ships
Send the invoice, export certificate and shipping details. We confirm whether the car can get 0% duty, what proof you need, and quote our fee.
On arrival
We lodge the import declaration on Revenue's AIS for the port where the car lands, and can pay the duty and VAT through our Revenue account.
Release
If Revenue asks for documents or an inspection, we deal with it until the car is released. We can arrange onward transport through our logistics partners.
VRT
You get the declaration and MRN for the NCTS. Book within 7 days of arrival and register within 30 days.
Questions we get asked
Frequently asked questions
Is there really 0% duty on cars from Japan now?
Yes, for cars of Japanese origin since 1 February 2026, if the preference is claimed on the declaration and you hold valid proof of origin. Without that proof, or if the car was built outside Japan, the Japan rate doesn't apply and the car normally pays 10%. Import VAT at 23% and VRT are due either way.
What is a statement on origin?
It's a short declaration by the exporter in Japan, on the invoice or another commercial document, that the goods are of Japanese preferential origin. Revenue accepts it, or the importer's knowledge based on records from the exporter or manufacturer, as proof for the 0% rate. Ask the exporter for it before the car ships, as it's much harder to get afterwards.
Do I pay VRT on a car imported from Japan?
Yes, unless a relief such as transfer of residence applies. VRT is a separate Irish tax, paid at the NCTS when the car is registered. For a car it's a percentage of the open market selling price set by Revenue, based on CO2 emissions, plus a NOx charge. Revenue confirms the amount at registration.
Can you clear a car that's already at the port?
Yes. Send us the arrival notice, the invoice and the export certificate, and we'll lodge the declaration once we have what Revenue needs. Port storage charges can build up while a car waits, so contact us before the ship arrives if you can. The 7-day NCTS booking deadline runs from the day the car arrives in Ireland.
I'm moving from Japan with my own car. Do I pay duty?
Maybe not. If you've lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and owned and used the car for at least 6 months, it may come in free of duty, VAT and VRT under transfer of residence relief. The claim goes to Revenue before the car arrives. See our transfer of residence page, or ask us to check.
Buying a car in Japan? Talk to us before it ships.
WhatsApp or call 086 846 1240, or send the quote form. We reply the same working day, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00, and you get a clear quote before anything is filed.
Or email service@cldeclarations.com · Replies the same working day