How To Import A Car From Japan To Ireland

Japanese imported cars have been popular in Ireland for many decades due to their reliability and competitive prices.

According to Cartell, over the past decade, Japanese imports have increased nearly tenfold, from 2,321 in 2014 to 21,716 in 2023, making Japan a top supplier in Ireland’s used car imports market. 

So the allure of Japanese cars is undeniable, however, importing a car from Japan to Ireland might seem like a complex process, but it can be a surprisingly accessible way to own your dream car.

How to import a car from Japan to Ireland? Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the whole importing process to get your dream JDM cars. 

Can I Import and Register a Car from Japan to Ireland?

Yes, you can import a Japanese car to Ireland but there are some rules and it’s important to navigate the importing process carefully to ensure a hassle-free experience.

There are some considerations for importing a car from Japan to Ireland you should keep in mind before taking any further action: 

• Understanding Irish import regulations: There are specific rules regarding, roadworthiness, emissions standards, and safety requirements.
• Vehicle age: You should consider the age and mileage of the vehicle before importing, as it may affect your eligibility for certain tax benefits or import duties. Also, if the car you’re buying is classed as ‘seriously damaged’ (i.e. it cannot be repaired and will need to be written off) then you won’t be able to register it in Ireland.
• Vehicle history: Make sure that you get a vehicle history report when choosing your car, including details about accidents, ownership, and service records. If the car dealer or exporter cannot provide this information, it’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere. 

Pros and Cons of Importing Cars from Japan

Why you might want to import a Japanese vehicle in the first place rather than buy it in Ireland or import it from the UK. We will run through some benefits and drawbacks you need to look out for when deciding to import a car from Japan to Ireland: 

What are the best things about importing a car from Japan to Ireland?

Well, when it comes to importing a JDM car from Japan, there are several huge reasons, which are:  

Lower price 

Importing a car from Japan to Ireland can be a cost-effective way to acquire a unique and high-quality car, even after shipping it to Ireland. The main reason is that cars manufactured in Japan have the additional benefit of a reduction in duty rate to 5% of the vehicle value.

Additionally, depreciation for new vehicles in Japan is generally higher than in Ireland or the rest of Europe. This means – says Cartell – “high-quality vehicles available at lower rates. 

With VAT and customs, you’d need to be getting the car cheap in the first place. In that case, a JDM import to Ireland can make more sense than a UK import. 

Access to unique models

There is a wide range of quality vehicles in Japan, including iconic JDM models, kei trucks, or kei vans not available in Ireland. Irish consumers have access to a much wider range of cars when they import from Japan.

High-quality vehicles 

Japanese vehicles, especially used cars are long known for their durability and efficiency due to the stringent quality control checks they have to pass before being out of the manufacturer. Some customers insist that there’s nothing quite like a Japanese car in terms of quality, design, and technical. 

Right-hand driver

In Ireland, they drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s side is on the right-hand drive of the car, so importing a right-hand drive car from Japan is a seamless transition.

What are the cons of importing a Japanese car?

Do your homework, because there are downsides. There are some flipsides of Japanese car imports you should consider before making a decision: 

Compliance issues

Be prepared for potential modifications to ensure your imported Japanese car complies with Irish regulations, which may impact the final price.

The car’s controls — brakes, steering, the way the suspension reacts — might be different, as the model might not have been set up for Ireland or European markets. 

Complex process

The import process involves several steps, including finding a reputable exporter, handling shipping logistics, and navigating Irish import regulations…So this is quite a time-consuming process.

The wait time is around 3-4 months to get the car to your port in Ireland. So, the entire process will be quick and easy when buying a car directly from Ireland. 

Additional costs 

You’ll need to pay import taxes and fees, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), which can vary depending on the vehicle’s age, value, and emissions when importing a car from Japan to Ireland. 

How to Import a Car from Japan to Ireland: Steps By Steps Guide 

How many steps do we need to take to get a car from Japan to Ireland? The importing process can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the regulations and procedures while importing to Ireland.

That’s why we will guide you through every step to bring your dream car to Ireland in this part below: 

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Step 1: Find a car you want 

The first step in the process is to find a car that meets your preferences and budget. The most popular Japanese imports to Ireland recently are the Toyota Vitz, Toyota Prius, Honda Acty Truck, and Suzuki Carry Truck…

Where to find a car? There are two popular sources you can choose to purchase a Japanese car:

Japanese exporter

Car exporter bids on your behalf to buy the car, and they take all steps so that it reaches your place safely and on time from Japan which will help your buying process become much easier and safer.

There are numerous online marketplace exporters, such as Be Forward, SBT Japan, and Autocom Japan… while Car From Japan can be worth considering.

Car From Japan is a leading platform for importing Japanese used cars from Japan where you can browse through 100000+ high-quality vehicles at affordable prices and with outstanding services.

Make sure you do your research and choose an exporter who has a good reputation and extensive experience in exporting vehicles.

Car auction

There are many car auction houses all over Japan, where you can get your dream cars such as USS, TAA-CAA, and JU. Vehicles sold at auctions are often cheaper than those sold at dealerships however the entire process will be complex and need a lot of import/export knowledge.

Once you’ve picked a car, negotiate with the exporter, and finalize the purchase. Be sure to read any terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to anything. It’s tempting to simply buy your car from the cheapest company, but this could be a false choice.

You’ll save on initial costs but could end up with a damaged or delayed car or even scams when buying a car from untrusted providers. So be smart!

Step 2: Arrange for shipment

Once you have found the car, it’s time to think about shipping a car. Japanese cars can be imported through various ports in Ireland, including Dublin, Arklow, Drogheda, and Dundalk. 

Typically, vehicles are shipped via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels or containers while RoRo is often cheaper and the container shipping method is greater protection and security. The shipping cost will depend on the car’s size and weight and the shipping method you’ve chosen. 

Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents 

Importing a vehicle from Japan to Ireland requires several documents:

• Commercial Invoice: The invoice provides customs with the necessary information to calculate the import duty and VAT payable on the vehicle.
• Japanese Export Certificate: It states that the vehicle is being legally exported from Japan and has been de-registered from its previous Japanese owner.
• Bill of Lading: This document will certify that the product has been shipped out and mentions the car description & recipient.

All these documents will be provided by your Japanese exporter. If you buy a car through Japanese exporters, the exporter will handle all the paperwork in Japan and logistics for your port. You need to do your part of the documents to import and take delivery of the car once it arrives in Ireland. 

Make sure that your car has all these documents before being imported to Ireland. 

Step 4: Pay import duties and VAT

Once the car arrives in Ireland, you must notify Irish Revenue using the Revenue Online Service (ROS). Then you will need to pay the following fees:

• Customs duty: This is usually from 2.5% to 10% of the car’s value. 
• VAT: 23% of the car value (including shipping and duty costs)
• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) unless you are exempt: VTR is a tax you must pay when you first register your vehicle in Ireland. You can get an estimate of the VRT due from the Revenue Vehicle Registration Online Enquiry System. You can find information on VRT reliefs and exemptions, and VRT reduction for certain electrical vehicles for certain types of vehicles. 

Step 5: Inspection 

If your imported vehicle is 4 years old or older, it will have to go through the National Car Test (NCT). The test aims to improve road safety and enhance environmental protection. This inspection is applied even if the vehicle has previously received any test abroad.

Step 6: Register your vehicle 

Once the vehicle has arrived in Ireland, you’ll need to register it with the Irish authorities and obtain a valid registration number. 

You must book an appointment with the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) within 7 days of your car’s arrival into Ireland and you must complete the registration process within 30 days of your arrival.

Before registration, your imported car must pass an NCTS inspection to meet Irish safety and environmental standards. After the VRT has been paid and the car registered, you will get:

• A receipt for the VRT paid that gives the registration number assigned to your car. 
• A Form RF100 for use when you’re applying to pay motor tax. 

Once you have registered the vehicle, you can purchase your registration plates.

Finish all these steps? Congratulations! You’ve successfully imported your dream car from Japan to Ireland.

How Much Does It Cost To Import A Car From Japan To Ireland?

Importing a car from Japan will always come with costs. Besides the original investment for buying a car, you’ll need to budget for things like shipping fees, import duties, and VAT.

Here’s a rough guide to some of the costs you can expect when importing a Japanese car to Ireland:

Type	Cost
Shipping fee	€1500 to €3000 or even more (depending on shipping methods and car sizes)
Customs duty (If applicable)	10% of car value
VAT (If applicable)	23% (car value + customs duty)
Vehicle Registration Tax	7% to 41% of OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) depending on CO2 emissions levels.
National Car Test (NCT)	€55 to €60

How Long Does It Take to Import a Car from Japan to Ireland?

The time it takes to import a car from Japan to Ireland can vary depending on several factors such as shipping method, shipping route, customs clearance, or even weather.

The shipping time will take you from 7 to 8 weeks depending on the shipping methods you choose. The exporter will supply you with a tracking system so you can track your car’s journey from Japan to Ireland. 

The customs clearance and registration will take from 1 to 3 weeks. So the overall process of importing a car from Japan to Ireland will last from 8 to 12 weeks.

This is just an estimated timeline. It’s best to consult with your chosen exporter and customs broker for a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

FAQ About Importing Cars from Japan to Ireland