What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Hong Kong?

Must be less than 7 years old for registration

Import Japanese Car to Hong Kong — Complete Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Hong Kong?

Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Invoice, TD import approval, Emissions certificate

Age Limit

Max 7 years

Manufactured 2019 or later

Import Duty

~5% total

Very low: No import duty on vehicles + no VAT. Registration tax applies.

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive. Drives on the left.

Transit Time

5–7 days

From Japanese port to Hong Kong

⚠️ Age Compliance Checker

Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets Hong Kong's 7-year age limit:

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Kwai Chung Container Terminal 🚢 Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter

📋 Required Documents

📄Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Invoice

📄TD import approval

📄Emissions certificate

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select RHD vehicle under 7yr meeting Euro VIc

Ship to Hong Kong

TD (Transport Department) import processing

Pay first registration tax

TD inspection

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

Very low: No import duty on vehicles + no VAT. Registration tax applies.

⚠️ 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 Hong Kong before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔Must be under 7 years

⛔Must meet Euro VIc emission standards

⛔Must meet E-mark for glass and safety belts

⛔Gasoline-powered required (diesel restrictions exist)

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

TD (Transport Department) inspection required. Must meet Euro VIc emissions.

🛡️ 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-Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong

Hong Kong has no import duty on vehicles which makes it relatively affordable to import. However strict emission standards mean only recent vehicles (post ~2020) are likely to meet Euro VIc requirements.