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

No strict age limit. Newer cars need Certificate of Conformity (CoC); without CoC need NSAI IVA test. 30+ year vehicles classed as vintage by Revenue.

What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Ireland?

Original Export/Deregistration Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, Customs Declaration via AIS (Automated Import System), EORI Number, Statement on Origin (to claim 0% duty under EU-Japan EPA), Single Administrative Document (SAD) with Master Reference Number (MRN), Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or NSAI IVA certificate, VRT VPD2 form (private use) or VRT 4 (Declaration for Registration), NCTS appointment booking

Can I import a 2018 Toyota Aqua to Ireland in 2026?

Yes, there is no strict age limit for importing cars to Ireland, meaning a 2018 Toyota Aqua is fully eligible. Newer cars require a Certificate of Conformity, and if this is unavailable, the vehicle must pass an NSAI IVA test. You must register the car within 30 days of arrival to avoid penalties.

What are the rules for importing a 30 year old classic car from Japan to Ireland?

Vehicles that are 30 years or older are officially classed as vintage by Revenue when imported into Ireland. There is no strict age limit banning older imports, though you must still handle standard customs declarations and registration procedures. You will also need to submit the original Export or Deregistration Certificate during the NCTS appointment.

Are there any Japanese cars that are banned from being imported to Ireland?

There is no strict blanket age limit banning specific years, so most vehicles are allowed. However, any car that fails to meet compliance standards without a Certificate of Conformity must successfully pass an NSAI IVA test before it can be registered. Additionally, you must register the vehicle within 30 days of arrival to avoid financial penalties.

How much is the customs duty on a Japanese car imported to Ireland in 2026?

Under the EU-Japan EPA, customs duty is 0% for Japanese-manufactured cars if you provide a valid Statement of Origin. Without this valid statement, the standard 10% MFN rate applies. You will also need to pay a 23% import VAT on the CIF value plus any applicable duty.

How is VRT calculated for a Japanese import in Ireland?

Vehicle Registration Tax is based on CO2 emissions, ranging from 7% to 41% of the Open Market Selling Price, plus an additional NOx levy. For electric vehicles with an OMSP up to 40000 EUR, you can get up to 5000 EUR in VRT relief, which has been extended through 31 December 2026. Expect total taxes and fees to add roughly 30% to 50% on top of the Japanese purchase price.

What currency should I use to pay for shipping and taxes when importing from Japan?

While the vehicle purchase price is paid in foreign currency or USD/JPY to the exporter, all Irish customs duties, import VAT, and VRT are payable in EUR. Your customs declaration via AIS and final NCTS payments will be processed in Euros. Make sure to account for exchange rate fluctuations when calculating your total landed budget.

How do I start the process of importing a car from Japan to Ireland?

The process begins by purchasing the vehicle from a Japanese auction or dealer and arranging shipping to one of the main entry ports like Dublin Port, Cork Tivoli or Ringaskiddy, or Rosslare. Once the car arrives, you must book an NCTS appointment, submit your customs declaration via AIS, and register the vehicle within 30 days of arrival. You will also need to arrange transport to bring the car through customs using an EORI number.

How long does shipping take from Japan to Ireland?

Shipping a car from Japan to Ireland typically takes between 40 to 60 days for direct routes. The vehicle will arrive at an entry port such as Dublin Port, Cork, or Rosslare. Post-Brexit, Japanese imports have increasingly been preferred by Irish dealers over UK imports due to streamlined logistics.

Are Japanese imports like the Toyota Aqua or Honda Fit right-hand drive?

Yes, Japanese domestic market cars are right-hand drive, which matches Ireland's rule of the road of driving on the left. This makes popular models like the Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit, Nissan Note, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Yaris Hybrid immediately comfortable to drive on Irish roads. Post-Brexit, these RHD Japanese imports have skyrocketed in popularity across Ireland.

What are the best hybrid cars to import from Japan to Ireland in 2026?

The most popular Japanese cars imported to Ireland include the Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit, Nissan Note, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Yaris Hybrid. These models are favored for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and suitability for Irish driving conditions. When importing them, remember to factor in the 23% import VAT and CO2-based VRT rates ranging from 7% to 41% of the OMSP.

What documents do I need to clear customs for a Japanese car import in Ireland?

You need the original Export or Deregistration Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and an Insurance Certificate. Additionally, you require a Customs Declaration via AIS, an EORI Number, a Statement on Origin to claim 0% duty under the EU-Japan EPA, and a Single Administrative Document with an MRN. You will also need a Certificate of Conformity or NSAI IVA certificate and a VRT VPD2 form or VRT 4 declaration.

What are the most common mistakes people make with paperwork when importing a Japanese car?

A frequent mistake is failing to secure a valid Statement of Origin, which results in being charged the standard 10% MFN duty instead of 0% under the EU-Japan EPA. Buyers also sometimes miss the strict 30-day registration window after arrival, leading to penalties. Finally, forgetting to bring the Foreign Registration Certificate to the NCTS appointment will stall your registration, as Revenue retains this document.

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Import Japanese Car to Ireland

⛔ Used imports banned RHD drive ~40% duty ⏱ ~40-60 days Japan to Ireland (direct) from Japan

Age Limit

Banned

Import Duty

~40% total

0% Customs Duty under the EU-Japan EPA (from 1 February 2026) for Japanese-manufactured cars with a valid Statement of Origin; otherwise, the standard 10% MFN rate applies. Import VAT is 23% on the CIF value plus duty. VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is based on CO2 emissions (7-41% of OMSP) plus a NOx levy. EVs with an OMSP up to €40,000 get up to €5,000 VRT relief (extended through 31 December 2026).

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive country (drives on left). Post-Brexit, Japanese imports increasingly preferred over UK imports for Irish dealers.

Transit Time

40-60 days Japan to Ireland (direct)

From Japanese port to Ireland

⛔Must register within 30 days of arrival (penalties for delay)