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

No strict age limit (EU member). Registration tax based on CC and emissions.

Import Japanese Car to Malta — Complete Guide 2026

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

Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Invoice, EU SAD customs declaration, TM registration docs

Age Limit

No limit

Import Duty

~30% total

6.5% EU import duty + 18% VAT + Malta registration tax based on CC

Steering Side

LHD

Malta drives on the left. RHD Japanese vehicles are practical and popular.

Transit Time

20–25 days

From Japanese port to Malta

✅ Age Check — No Restriction

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

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Malta Freeport (Marsaxlokk) 🚢 Valletta Grand Harbour

📋 Required Documents

📄Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Invoice

📄EU SAD customs declaration

📄TM registration docs

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select RHD vehicle meeting Euro 4+

Ship to Valletta or Malta Freeport

Pay EU 6.5% duty + 18% VAT

TM technical inspection

Pay Malta registration tax

TM registration

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

6.5% EU import duty + 18% VAT + Malta registration tax based on CC

⚠️ 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 Malta before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔Euro 4 minimum emission standards

⛔Headlights may need adjustment (beam pattern)

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

TM (Transport Malta) technical inspection. Headlight adjustment may be needed.

🛡️ 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-Malta 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 Malta

Malta drives on the left and is an EU member — one of the best European destinations for Japanese RHD imports. Low registration tax for small-engine efficient vehicles.