✓ No age limitRHD drive~50% duty⏱ ~40-60 days Japan to Ireland (direct) from Japan
Age Limit
No limit
Import Duty
~50% total
10% Customs Duty (used cars) or 6% (hybrids/EVs) + 23% VAT on (CIF + duty) + VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) based on CO₂/OMSP (14-36%) + NOx Levy (high-emission diesel). EVs <€40,000 OMSP get up to €5,000 VRT relief (extended through 2025).
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
✅ Age Check — No Restriction
Ireland has no strict age limit on Japanese car imports. Any year vehicle can be imported (subject to emissions and roadworthy standards).
📄Customs Declaration via AIS (Automated Import System)
📄EORI Number
📄Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — or IVA test
📄VRT VPD2 form (private use) or VRT 4 (Declaration for Registration)
📄NCTS appointment booking
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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process
1
Source RHD vehicle in Japan (Japan-Ireland direct popular post-Brexit)
2
Verify CoC availability (newer cars) or prepare for IVA test
3
Ship to Dublin/Cork/Rosslare (8-10 weeks via RoRo or container)
4
File customs declaration via AIS
5
Pay 10% Duty + 23% VAT
6
Book NCTS appointment within 7 days of arrival
7
Register VRT (CO₂-based + NOx levy) within 30 days
8
Pay VRT (varies €1,000-€15,000+ based on OMSP and CO₂)
9
Get Irish plates and motor tax
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💰 Import Duty & Taxes
10% Customs Duty (used cars) or 6% (hybrids/EVs) + 23% VAT on (CIF + duty) + VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) based on CO₂/OMSP (14-36%) + NOx Levy (high-emission diesel). EVs <€40,000 OMSP get up to €5,000 VRT relief (extended through 2025).
⚠️ 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 Ireland before committing to a purchase.
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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Ireland — including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes — in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.
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 Ireland's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.
Your inquiry is sent to Google Gemini AI for analysis. Don't include personal information. Free to use, 5 queries per hour.
⛔Vehicles older than 30 days from purchase must show storage proof
⛔Foreign Registration Certificate must NOT be returned in full before Ireland registration completes
⛔Northern Ireland loophole: cars previously used in NI can avoid customs duty + VAT if proven privately owned
🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection
NCTS (National Car Testing Service) registration mandatory within 30 days of arrival. CoC or IVA required.
🛡️ 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-Ireland 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 Ireland
POST-BREXIT (since 2021): Japanese imports SKYROCKETED in Ireland because UK imports now face same duty + VAT but with poorer car condition. Many Irish dealers switched to direct Japan imports. EVs get major incentive: up to €5,000 VRT relief for OMSP <€40,000 (extended through 2025). Hybrids reduced 6% duty (vs 10%). VRT calculator at vrt.ie or VRT-Calculator.ie. NOx Levy adds €100-€600 for diesels. NCTS appointment booking 01-4135975. Expect total ~30-50% above purchase price for typical imports.
❓ Ireland Import FAQs
Common questions buyers ask about importing Japanese cars to Ireland. Tap any question to expand.
Can I import a 2018 Toyota Aqua to Ireland in 2026?
Yes, there is no strict age limit for importing vehicles to Ireland. However, newer cars like a 2018 Toyota Aqua will require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test if a CoC is unavailable. Vehicles 30+ years old are classed as vintage by Revenue.
What are the rules for importing a vintage Japanese car to Ireland?
Vehicles 30+ years old are classed as vintage by Revenue in Ireland. While there's no strict age limit for import, you will still need to follow the standard import process, including VRT and customs declarations. Ensure you have all original documentation for the vehicle.
Can I avoid customs duty importing a Japanese car to Ireland?
Generally, 10% Customs Duty (used cars) or 6% (hybrids/EVs) and 23% VAT apply. However, a Northern Ireland loophole exists where cars previously used in NI can avoid customs duty and VAT if proven privately owned there. EVs also get significant VRT relief of up to €5,000 for OMSP <€40,000 (extended through 2025).
How much does it cost to import a Japanese car to Ireland in 2026?
You should expect total costs to be approximately 30-50% above the purchase price for typical imports. This includes 10% Customs Duty (or 6% for hybrids/EVs), 23% VAT, VRT (14-36% based on CO₂/OMSP), and a NOx Levy for diesels. EVs under €40,000 OMSP can get up to €5,000 VRT relief.
What import duties and VAT do I pay on a Japanese car in Ireland?
You will pay 10% Customs Duty for used cars, or 6% for hybrids and EVs. Additionally, 23% VAT is applied to the CIF value plus the Customs Duty. These are mandatory charges for non-EU imports.
How is VRT calculated for Japanese imports to Ireland in 2026?
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is calculated based on the car's CO₂ emissions and Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), ranging from 14-36%. A NOx Levy, typically €100-€600, also applies to high-emission diesel vehicles. EVs with an OMSP under €40,000 are eligible for up to €5,000 VRT relief (extended through 2025).
What are the first steps to import a car from Japan to Ireland?
First, secure the vehicle and its Original Export/Deregistration Certificate. Arrange shipping to one of Ireland's entry ports like Dublin Port, Cork, or Rosslare, ensuring you have the Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice. You'll need an EORI number to complete the Customs Declaration via AIS.
How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Ireland and register it?
Shipping from Japan to Ireland typically takes 40-60 days directly. Once the car arrives, you must register it within 30 days to avoid penalties. This involves booking an NCTS appointment (01-4135975) for VRT inspection and completing all required documentation.
What are the best Japanese cars to import to Ireland in 2026?
Popular choices for Ireland include the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Nissan Leaf, and Toyota Auris Hybrid, known for their efficiency and reliability. As Ireland is a right-hand drive country, Japanese RHD vehicles are a perfect match, making them increasingly preferred over UK imports.
Can I import a left-hand drive Japanese car to Ireland?
While it's technically possible to import a left-hand drive (LHD) car, Ireland is a right-hand drive (RHD) country, so an LHD vehicle would be impractical and potentially unsafe for daily driving. Japanese vehicles are typically RHD, making them ideal for the Irish market. Post-Brexit, Japanese RHD imports have significantly increased.
What documents do I need to import a Japanese car to Ireland?
Key documents include the Original Export/Deregistration Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and an Insurance Certificate. You'll also need an EORI Number for the Customs Declaration via AIS and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or an IVA test.
What paperwork is needed for VRT on a Japanese import in Ireland?
For VRT, you'll need the VRT VPD2 form for private use or VRT 4 for dealer registration, along with your customs clearance documents. It's crucial that the Foreign Registration Certificate is NOT returned in full before Ireland's registration process is complete. An NCTS appointment is also required for inspection.
Updated May 2026 ·AI-generated from verified Ireland import rules
🚗 Popular Japanese Cars in Ireland
Toyota AygoHonda CR-VToyota Yaris HybridNissan LeafToyota Auris Hybrid
Verify the auction sheet before you import
Confirm grade, mileage and accident history before shipping to Ireland. Original record from Japan's auction database. From $7.
