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

Max 5 years for petrol/hybrid. EVs max 3 years (including year of customs clearance) — new rule from Nov 1, 2025.

Japan Car Import to Jordan — Guide 2026

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

Original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Conformity Certificate (EU/US/GCC/Saudi standard), Jordan Customs Declaration, Interpol clearance certificate

Age Limit

Max 5 years

Manufactured 2021 or later

Import Duty

~39% total

Total taxes (customs, sales, and special taxes) are unified based on fuel type: 51% for gasoline (petrol) vehicles, 39% for hybrid vehicles, and a flat 27% special tax for electric vehicles (EVs). Taxes are calculated on the government-assessed value of the vehicle, which depends on the year, make, model, and engine capacity.

Steering Side

LHD

Left-hand drive only.

Transit Time

25–30 days from Japan

From Japanese port to Jordan

⚠️ Age Compliance Checker

Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets Jordan's 5-year age limit:

🆕 Latest Rule Changes

Sep 2026Jordan Customs established price ceilings for car shipping fees under the RORO system to control rising import costs.

Feb 2026Jordan Customs fully digitized its international vehicle-inquiry service in cooperation with Interpol, ending paper-based checks.

Nov 2025New conformity instructions took effect, banning salvage or junk vehicles, ex-taxis, and electric vehicles older than three years.

Jun 2025The amended Special Tax Bylaw took effect, reducing total taxes to 51% for petrol cars, 39% for hybrids, and a flat 27% for electric vehicles.

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Aqaba Port 🚢 Zarqa Free Zone (testing site)

📋 Required Documents

📄Original Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Conformity Certificate (EU/US/GCC/Saudi standard)

📄Jordan Customs Declaration

📄Interpol clearance certificate

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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select LHD vehicle in Japan

Verify vehicle meets approved technical standards (EU/US/GCC/Saudi)

Ensure vehicle is not salvage, junk, or previously used as a taxi/police car

Ship to Aqaba Port

Transfer to Zarqa Free Zone for testing and customs clearance

Pass Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) inspection

Obtain digitized Interpol clearance

Pay unified taxes based on fuel type (51% petrol, 39% hybrid, 27% EV)

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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 Jordan before committing to a purchase.

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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Jordan — 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 (~39%)—

Total landed cost —

Approx. in JOD —

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 Jordan'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

⛔Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are prohibited

⛔Petrol/hybrid vehicles older than 5 years are banned

⛔Electric vehicles (EVs) older than 3 years are banned

⛔Salvage or junk vehicles (damaged by fire, flood, or major accidents) are banned

⛔Vehicles previously used as taxis, police cars, or school transport are banned

⛔Diesel passenger cars are prohibited

⛔Vehicles must meet European, US, GCC, or Saudi technical standards

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

Vehicles are inspected at Zarqa Free Zone for compliance with safety, emissions, and approved technical standards (EU, US, GCC, or Saudi). Used EVs require a battery State of Health (SOH) test of at least 90%. Interpol verification is fully digitized.

🛡️ 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-Jordan 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 Jordan

Jordan overtaxed vehicles in the past, but a major June 2025 reform slashed total taxes to 51% for petrol, 39% for hybrids, and a flat 27% for EVs. From November 1, 2025, all imports must meet EU, US, GCC, or Saudi standards, and EVs older than 3 years are banned. Salvage, junk, and ex-taxi/police vehicles are strictly prohibited. Jordan remains a key transit hub for shipping to Iraq via the Zarqa Free Zone. Year-of-manufacture affects the customs rate (first year 7%, second year 4%, third year 2%).

📚 Official Sources

Rules last checked 3 October 2026. Rules change often, so confirm with Jordan customs or a licensed clearing agent before you ship.

❓ Jordan Import FAQs

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

Can I import a 2018 Toyota Prius to Jordan in 2026?

No, you cannot import a 2018 Toyota Prius because petrol and hybrid vehicles have a strict 5-year age limit in Jordan. In 2026, only vehicles manufactured in 2021 or newer are legally allowed for import. You will need to look for a 2021 model or newer instead.

What is the age limit for importing an electric vehicle to Jordan under the new rules?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are subject to a maximum 3-year age limit, including the year of customs clearance, following the new rule that took effect on November 1, 2025. This means an EV must be very new to qualify for entry into the country. Older electric models will be rejected at customs.

Are right-hand drive Japanese cars allowed into Jordan?

No, right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are strictly prohibited from being imported into Jordan. Only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are allowed on Jordanian roads. Since Japan primarily produces right-hand drive cars, you must ensure you source a specific left-hand drive export model.

How much are the customs duties and taxes for importing a car to Jordan?

Total taxes, including customs, sales, and special taxes, are unified based on fuel type following the major June 2025 tax reform. Gasoline petrol vehicles are taxed at 51%, hybrids at 39%, and electric vehicles carry a flat 27% special tax. These taxes are calculated on the government-assessed value of the vehicle based on its year, make, model, and engine capacity.

How is the customs valuation calculated for a Japanese car imported to Jordan?

Jordan customs calculates taxes based on the government-assessed value of the vehicle, which takes into account the year, make, model, and engine capacity. Additionally, the year of manufacture affects the customs depreciation rate, applying a specific reduction for the first, second, and third years. The final tax rate then applies directly to this assessed value.

What currency are car import taxes paid in at Jordan customs?

All customs duties, sales taxes, and special taxes at Jordan entry ports are paid in Jordanian Dinar (JOD). You must ensure your funds are converted or ready in JOD when clearing your vehicle at Aqaba Port or the Zarqa Free Zone. Exchange rates will apply if you are transferring funds from international accounts.

How do I start the process of importing a Japanese car to Jordan?

To start, purchase a left-hand drive vehicle from Japan that meets Jordanian age limits and technical standards, then arrange for shipping to Aqaba Port. Once the car arrives, it will be transferred to the Zarqa Free Zone for testing, customs clearance, and registration. You will need a local clearing agent to handle the paperwork efficiently.

How long does shipping a car from Japan to Jordan take?

Shipping a car from Japan to Jordan typically takes between 25 to 30 days via maritime freight. The cargo will arrive at Aqaba Port, after which it is transported by land to the Zarqa Free Zone for inspection and clearance. Total turnaround time depends on port congestion and customs processing speeds.

What are the best Japanese hybrid cars to import to Jordan right now?

Popular and reliable Japanese models for Jordanian roads include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus RX Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. These models hold their resale value well and benefit from the favorable 39% unified tax rate applied to hybrids. Always verify that you are buying a left-hand drive version that complies with current technical standards.

Can I import a used Japanese car that was previously a taxi or police car?

No, vehicles previously used as taxis, police cars, or school transport are strictly banned from being imported into Jordan. Customs authorities will reject any vehicle identified with commercial or municipal fleet histories. Only personal-use vehicles in good condition are permitted.

What documents are required for customs clearance in Jordan?

You must provide the original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and an Interpol clearance certificate. Additionally, you need a Conformity Certificate proving the vehicle meets European, US, GCC, or Saudi standards, alongside the official Jordan Customs Declaration. Missing any of these documents will cause severe delays at Aqaba Port or Zarqa Free Zone.

What technical standards must imported cars meet in Jordan?

As of November 1, 2025, all imported vehicles must strictly meet European, US, GCC, or Saudi technical standards. Salvage, junk, or flood-damaged vehicles are banned entirely. Ensuring your Japanese import complies with these specific regional homologation standards is mandatory before shipping.

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