What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Cambodia?

No strict age limit but older vehicles attract much higher tax.

Japan Car Import to Cambodia — Guide 2026

Age Limit

No limit

Import Duty

~110% total

Customs Duty + Special Tax + 10% VAT. Total typically 100-150% of CIF. Under Sub-Decree No. 52 (effective April 1, 2026), import duties on finished electric passenger vehicles (EVs) are reduced to 0%, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to 7%.

Steering Side

LHD

Left-hand drive only. Right-hand drive vehicles are strictly banned from import.

Transit Time

10–20 days from Japan

From Japanese port to Cambodia

✅ Age Check — No Restriction

Cambodia has no strict age limit on Japanese car imports. Any year vehicle can be imported (subject to emissions and roadworthy standards).

🆕 Latest Rule Changes

Apr 2026Sub-Decree No. 52 eliminated import duties (0%) on finished electric passenger vehicles (EVs) and reduced duties on plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to 7%.

Jan 2026Sub-Decree No. 255 reduced special tax on EV motors to 0% and import duties on EV batteries to 5%.

Aug 2025Prakas No. 632 established a 0% customs duty on eligible new goods imported from the USA, explicitly excluding used cars.

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Sihanoukville Port 🚢 Phnom Penh (river port)

📋 Required Documents

📄Original Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Insurance Certificate

📄Cambodia Customs Declaration

📄Importer ID/passport

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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select LHD vehicle in Japan (or convert from RHD)

Ship to Sihanoukville Port

File customs declaration via ASYCUDA World

Pay Customs Duty + Special Tax + 10% VAT

Vehicle technical inspection

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💰 Import Duty & Taxes

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Cambodia before committing to a purchase.

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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Cambodia — including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes — in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.

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Quick pick:

Auction price ¥850,000

¥100k¥1M¥3M¥10M

Shipping (Japan → port) $1,500

$800$1.5k$2.5k$4k

Auction price—

Shipping—

Insurance (1.5%)—

CIF subtotal—

Duty & taxes (~110%)—

Total landed cost —

Approx. in KHR/USD —

Vehicle Shipping & insurance Duty & taxes

Estimate only. Actual cost depends on auction fees, current FX, port charges, and customs valuation. Always confirm with a licensed broker before purchase.

🤖 AI Import Advisor

Tell us the car you're considering and our AI will give you an honest assessment specific to Cambodia's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.

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AI-generated guidance — not a substitute for a licensed customs broker. Verify auction sheet, current duty rates, and import permits before purchase.

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🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔RHD vehicles must be converted to LHD before import

⛔Higher tax on older vehicles

⛔Luxury cars face progressive surcharges

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

Cambodia General Department of Customs inspection.

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Cambodia imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Cambodia

Cambodia is more open than Thailand for car imports. Around 54,000 cars sold annually with majority being used imports. Effective April 1, 2026, Cambodia introduced significant duty reductions for EVs and clean energy under Sub-Decree No. 52, reducing import duties on finished electric passenger cars to 0% and plug-in hybrids to 7%. Toyota Camry and Lexus dominate the luxury market. Most imports come via Sihanoukville Port. Always verify rates with a licensed broker.

📚 Official Sources

Rules last checked 2 October 2026. Rules change often, so confirm with Cambodia customs or a licensed clearing agent before you ship.

❓ Cambodia Import FAQs

Common questions buyers ask about importing Japanese cars to Cambodia. Tap any question to expand.

Can I import a right-hand drive car from Japan to Cambodia in 2026?

No, right-hand drive vehicles are strictly banned from import into Cambodia. All imported vehicles must be left-hand drive, or converted from RHD to LHD before they are allowed entry.

Is there a strict age limit for importing used Japanese cars to Cambodia?

There is no strict age limit enforced for vehicle imports, meaning you can technically import older models. However, older vehicles attract much higher tax rates compared to newer models.

Can I import a 2018 Toyota Camry or a 2016 Lexus RX into Cambodia?

Yes, you can import these models since there is no strict age ban. Keep in mind that older vehicles face higher customs duties, and luxury cars like the Lexus RX will incur progressive surcharges.

How much are the total import taxes for a car shipped from Japan to Cambodia?

Total taxes typically range from 100% to 150% of the CIF value, combining Customs Duty, Special Tax, and 10% VAT. Luxury vehicles also face progressive surcharges on top of these standard rates.

What are the import tax rates for electric vehicles and hybrids in Cambodia in 2026?

Under Sub-Decree No. 52 effective April 1, 2026, import duties on finished electric passenger vehicles are reduced to 0%. For plug-in hybrids, the import duty is reduced to 7%.

What currency are car import duties and shipping fees paid in when importing to Cambodia?

Import duties and fees are handled using KHR and USD. It is always recommended to verify exact rates and accepted payment denominations with a licensed customs broker.

How long does shipping take from Japan to Cambodia?

Shipping a car from Japan to Cambodia typically takes between 10 to 20 days. Most vehicles arrive and clear through Sihanoukville Port or the Phnom Penh river port.

What is the process for importing a Japanese car to Cambodia?

The process begins with purchasing the vehicle in Japan, arranging maritime shipping to Sihanoukville Port or Phnom Penh, and clearing customs via a licensed broker. You must ensure the car is left-hand drive and prepared to pay total taxes of roughly 100% to 150% of the CIF value unless it qualifies for EV/PHEV reductions under Sub-Decree No. 52.

What are the most popular Japanese cars to import into Cambodia?

The Cambodian market heavily favors the Toyota Camry, Lexus RX, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Honda CR-V. Toyota and Lexus models dominate both the everyday and luxury vehicle segments in the country.

Are RHD Japanese cars allowed in Cambodia if I plan to convert them?

Right-hand drive vehicles are strictly banned from direct import, but they can be imported if they are converted to left-hand drive before entering the country. Ensure the conversion is fully completed to comply with Cambodian vehicle regulations.

What documents do I need to clear customs for a car imported from Japan?

You must provide the Original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, Cambodia Customs Declaration, and your Importer ID or passport. Having these documents ready prevents costly port storage fees.

Who issues the required paperwork when importing a car from Japan to Cambodia?

The Japanese exporter or auction house provides the Export Certificate and Commercial Invoice, while the shipping line issues the Bill of Lading and the insurance company provides the certificate. For the Cambodia Customs Declaration and local clearance, you will work with a licensed customs broker at the port of entry.

Updated Oct 2026 · AI-generated from verified Cambodia import rules